The Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh had 11 reasons to celebrate on Saturday, January 11, as 11 novices made their First Professions in a Mass at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Barisahl. The Most Rev. Emmanuel Kanon Gomes, Bishop of the Diocese of Barishal, presided at the Mass.

Eight of the newly professed are seminarians and members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, while the other three are brothers and belong to the St. Joseph Province. Their vows were received by their respective Provincials, Fr. George K. Rozario, C.S.C., of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, and Br. Ripon J. Gomes, C.S.C., of the St. Joseph Province.

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The Mass was attended by many Holy Cross Priests, Brothers, and Sisters, along with family members of the novices and other well-wishers. A reception followed the Mass.

During their novitiate year, the novices had been accompanied by Fr. Vincent B. Rozario, C.S.C., Novice Master, and Br. Topon Lawrence Serao, C.S.C., Assistant.