Friday, July 24, was a joyful day for the Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh. The Holy Cross priests, who belong to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, and the Holy Cross brothers, who belong to the St. Joseph Province, celebrated together the First Professions of their novices in a Mass at Sagardi, Barisal.
Three of the newly professed are members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province: Mr. Badhan Hilarash Rozario, C.S.C., Mr. Joachim Mondol, C.S.C., Mr. Timmon Innocent Gomes, C.S.C. Their vows were received by Fr. Adam Pereira, C.S.C., the Assistant Provincial of the Province.
Four of the newly professed are members of the St. Joseph Province: Br. Bablu Pathag, C.S.C., Br. Jerry Mark Rozario, C.S.C., Br. Joseph Clinton Mondol, C.S.C., and Br. Shanto Augustine Hembrom, C.S.C. Their vows were received by their Provincial, Br. Harold Bijoy Rodrigus C.S.C.
Fr. Pereira was the main celebrant at the Mass, which was attended by a number of Holy Cross priests and brothers, as well as some diocesan clergy and other religious men and women. A reception ceremony and banquet followed the Mass. Fr. Eugene Anjus, C.S.C., the Novice Master, and Br. Kajol Linus Costa, C.S.C., helped organize the day’s liturgy and festivities, as well as host all the guests.
Learn more about Holy Cross in Bangladesh
Just over a week later, on August 1, the Novitiate saw 11 new men enter the Novitiate. Seven of them are members of the St. Joseph Province and in formation to be Holy Cross brothers; four are members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province and are in formation to be Holy Cross priests.
The new year at the Novitiate also sees new member joining the Novitiate staff in Bangladesh. After three years of service on the formation staff, Br. Kajal Linus Costa is going to a renewal course in the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila, Philippines. Br. Sattay Richard Purification, C.S.C., has replaced him on the Novitiate staff.
Special thanks to Br. Stephen B. Gomes, C.S.C, and Br. Victor B. D’Rozario, C.S.C., for preparing this news story.