Church in Bangladesh celebrates highest ordination numbers

‘By ordination, you share in Christ’s priesthood,’ Bishop Gervas Rozario told the new priests in his homily. ‘You are called to act as Jesus did and to work for justice as prophets.’

Bangladesh will see 26 priests ordained by the end of 2025, the highest number in a single year in local Church’s history. 

Fr Paul Gomes, rector of the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Dhaka, said this surpasses the previous record set in 1986 when John Paul II ordained 17 deacons to the priesthood during his visit to the country. He warned, however, that shrinking family sizes may challenge future vocations. 

There are just over 400,000 Catholics among Bangladesh’s 170 million people, about 0.25 per cent of the population, though the Church is the second largest provider of education after the government with around 270 schools. In December 2024 there were just over 400 priests in the country serving in eight dioceses.

On 21 November, Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi ordained seven deacons to the priesthood including two brothers from the same family. He urged families and parishioners to support the priests through prayer, advice and financial help. 

“By ordination, you share in Christ’s priesthood,” he told the new priests in his homily. “You are called to act as Jesus did and to work for justice as prophets.”

The Christian minority has reported fears of persecution amid increasing political instability over the past year.

Fr Nayan Joseph Gomes was ordained a priest of the Holy Cross congregation and his elder brother Fr Anu Joachim Gomes was ordained a diocesan priest.

“Serving as an altar boy and witnessing the holiness of priests inspired me,” said Fr Nayan, crediting his aunt, a Missionary of Charity in Ethiopia, for encouraging his vocation. “Today, I thank God that both my brother and I have become priests. Please pray that we remain pure and committed.”

Fr Theotonius Sonnet Costa echoed the call for support: “I seek blessings and prayers so that I can serve faithfully throughout my life.”

Christians alarmed by bomb attacks on Dhaka institutions

Postcard from Dhaka

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