Dhaka: In the Muslim-dominated country of Bangladesh, 21 deacons have been cleared for their vows this year. This is the first time in the history of the country that so many seminarians have taken up the deacon-ship together. There will be an immediate reception of three students studying abroad. Regarding Bangladesh, where there are only three hundred and ninety thousand Catholics, the growth of God’s call is gradually increasing. The Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, the capital city of Dhaka, is the only seminary in the country. Presently, there are 125 students studying.
Priest of the diocese of Barisal says that the youth answering the call of God, has become a great blessing to the church, states Fr. Anol Terence De Costa. He added that the country has received many calls from God and they are happy with it. Two of the students who came to the seminary from this diocese had recently become deacon.
He said that the calling of God is increasing because of the training received from the family, teachers, clergy and monks, Fr. Terrence De Costa commented. Deacon Leonard Rosario, a member of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, said he was inspired by his parents and relatives and thus, decided to become a clergyman. Dn. Rosario added that he was able to accomplish what he wanted most in life.
Many clergy and nuns from Bangladesh now go to other countries for ministry. It is interesting to note that Bangladesh, where long ago foreign missionaries served, is now raising missionaries from their own country. Only a few members of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, the Xavier Brothers and the Holy Cross, who arrived here 30 years ago, are now foreign missionaries in the country. Bangladesh has a growth in the number of clergy, meanwhile the number of nuns has fallen.
