On Friday, June 9, Deacon Robel Ruben Biswas, C.S.C., became the first priest ordained from the Bagerhat District of Bangladesh. The Most Rev. Romen James Boiragi, Bishop of the Diocese of Khulna, ordained him at Mass on the grounds of Fatima Rani Catholic Church, a sub-station of St. Joseph’s Parish in Bashavati, Bagerhat.

The day before the Ordination, June 8, there was a welcoming ceremony for Deacon Biswas. Joining him were Bishop Boiragi and Fr. George K. Rozario, C.S.C., Superior of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province. The ceremony included a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and later Mangalanusthan, a traditional blessing involving the putting of turmeric spice on the cheek and forehead as a sign of purity and the giving of sweets and fruits as a sign of future blessing.

Learn more about the history of Holy Cross in Bangladesh

Over 600 people attended the Ordination the following day. That number included 40 priests as well as religious brothers and sisters from several religious communities. After the Ordination, there was a cultural program to thank the newly ordained Fr. Biswas. Then all present joined in an agape meal together.

The following day, June 10, at the same Fatima Rani Catholic Church, Fr. Biswas celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving, accompanied by his provincial and other brother priests from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province. After the Mass, there was a short program in which Fr. Biswas expressed his gratitude for all who had accompanied him in his vocational journey.

Just over a week later, on June 19, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province was celebrating again, this time the First Profession of novice Mr. Shakti John Tripura, C.S.C. He professed his First Vows in the chapel of the Holy Cross Novitiate in Sagardi, Barishal. Fr. Rozario presided and received his vows in the presence of his family, confreres, and other religious.