15 seminarians ordained deacons in Bangladesh

A milestone in the life of the Church in Bangladesh was marked with the diaconate ordination at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka, on May 24.

Fifteen seminarians from six dioceses and archdioceses across Bangladesh were ordained as deacons in a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi.

Six are from Rajshahi, three from the Archdiocese of Dhaka, two each from Barishal and Dinajpur, and one each from the Archdiocese of Chattogram and the Diocese of Khulna.

The ordination drew a large gathering of nearly 1,000 faithful, including bishops, priests, religious sisters, and the families and friends of the ordinands.

Prominent attendees included Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader of Chattogram, Bishop Rozario of Rajshahi, Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur, and Bishop Emmanuel Kanon Rozario of Barishal—all offering their prayerful presence and support.

As part of the spiritual preparation, a special prayer and adoration service was held the evening before, centered on the theme: "With joyful hearts, in humble service, journeying toward the Father." The pre-ordination festivities also included candidate introductions, the symbolic tying of the rakhi, blessings, and the traditional offering of sweets.

In his homily, Rozario reminded the new deacons of their sacred duty:

"You are called to serve—not to be served. Your ministry begins at the altar but extends into the daily lives of the people you are entrusted to guide. Always proclaim the Good News and remain prayerful—for yourselves and for the faithful—so that you may remain close to God."

Newly ordained Deacon Raton Richard Linduar from Dinajpur expressed gratitude to God for calling him despite his unworthiness.

"It is through God’s grace and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, working through my family, formators, and spiritual companions, that I have reached this day," he said, requesting prayers so he may serve with fidelity and holiness.

Deacon Sonet Theotonius Costa of Rajshahi shared his emotional 15-year journey in the seminary:

"This is a moment of deep gratitude. I pray that as a deacon, I may one day fulfill my dream of becoming a priest and serving God’s people more fully."

Father Paul Gomes, Rector of the Seminary, acknowledged the deep commitment and long journey of each ordinand:

Their vocations have been nurtured through prayer, guidance, and the support of many". We give thanks to God for each of them, and we pray that their service to the Church as deacons may be marked by humility, joy, and dedication."

The names of the newly ordained deacons are

Albert Bokul Cruze, Anu Joachim Gomes, Gervas Gabriel Murmu, Michael Hembrom, Sonet Theotonius Costa, Uzzal Constantine Gomes, Joy Ignatius Hazra, Oliver Alok Biswas, Mithun Mathias Ekka, Shawan Anthony Rozario, Tonmoy Joseph Costa, Rathu John Sarker, Raton Richard Linduar, Topon Das, and Rupock Issac Rozario.

The ceremony concluded with a lively cultural program and a reception in honor of the new deacons. Father Paul Gomes formally closed the event by offering heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the celebration, especially the families and communities that supported the ordinands throughout their journey.