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Bangladesh Celebrates 15 Newly Professed Holy Cross Religious

Author: General Administration

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The Sacred Heart of Jesus Province and the St. Joseph of Province in Bangladesh joyfully celebrated the First Profession Vows of 15 novices on July 24 at Holy Cross Pastoral and Retreat Center on the same campus as the novitiate in Barishal. Bishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, C.S.C., of the Diocese of Barishal, presided and preached at the Profession Mass. 

The vows were received by the respective Provincials, Fr. James Cruze, C.S.C., and Br. Subal Rozario, C.S.C. The Congregation of Holy Cross prays in gratitude for the abundant blessing of the following newly professed seminarians and scholastic brothers: Br. Joachim Partho Biswas, Br. Emon Francis Corraya, Mr. Sourav Leonard Costa, Br. Nicholas Subal Ghorami, Mr. Ayon Mathodius Gomes, Br. Apurba Anthony Hajong, Mr. Rimo Liton Mardi, Br. Rajon Raphael Mrong, Mr. Partho Urban Palma, Br. Killen Theophil Pereira, Mr. Clary Henry Rozario, Br. Shanto Francis Rozario, Br. Daniel Prince Roy, Mr. Gervas Soren, and Mr. Jonta Tudu. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of the pandemic, family and friends were not able attend.

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The evening prior to First Profession, Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, C.S.C., Novice Master from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, offered a Mass of Thanksgiving with the novices and other participating Holy Cross religious. Br. Shimul Rozario, C.S.C., of the St. Joseph Province serves as Assistant Novice Master.

Fr. Anal Terence D’Costa, C.S.C., directed the novices’ profession retreat with the theme, “Our Call is to be Pure in Mind and Heart.” Fr. D’Costa, C.S.C., also was present for the ceremony. After the Mass of Profession, the Holy Cross religious and neighboring communities of religious sisters joined the novices for a short program of thanksgiving, which included tributes and entertainment which was enjoyed by all. A festive meal followed.

Later in the day, the newly professed joined their respective Provincials for their return to Dhaka, where they will continue their formation.

These young religious are a sign of hope for Holy Cross’ continued growth in Bangladesh.