Bangladesh Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday and the inauguration of the Jubilee Cross

The Catholic Church in Bangladesh joyfully commemorated Pentecost Sunday with a special Eucharistic celebration and the solemn inauguration of the Jubilee Cross at St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Foilzana, part of the Diocese of Rajshahi, on June 8.

Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario presided over the Pentecost Mass, invoking the transformative effects of the Holy Spirit in his homily. “The Holy Spirit has descended not just upon the children but upon each of us today,” he preached. “With the Spirit’s power, may we press on with renewed commitment and be liberated from life’s challenges and temptations.”

Following the Eucharist, the cardinal, joined by fellow clergy and the faithful, led the inauguration of the Jubilee Cross—symbolizing Christ’s birth and the hope heralded by the Jubilee Year.

The celebration continued with the opening of the Pastoral Assembly. The gathering began with a warm welcome, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and a vibrant cultural performance.

Among those present were the cardinal, Father Premu Rozario (Chancellor of the Rajshahi Diocese), Parish Priest Father Hamlet Francis Bottlery CSC, Father Lawrence Naresh Das CSC, Deacon Nayan Joseph Gomes CSC, Regent Johnny Murmu CSC, and over 100 lay participants.

In his address, Father Rozario reflected on the significance of the Jubilee Year, emphasizing its spiritual call. “It is a time for gratitude, a proclamation of hope,” he said. “The Jubilee Year is marked by holiness, rest, and release.”

The assembly also featured group discussions organized by community blocks, encouraging collaborative reflection and planning. Each group later presented their reports, fostering a spirit of unity and shared responsibility.

Father Das offered an informative session on legal issues related to church property and land management—an area of growing importance for local parishes.

The event concluded with the adoption of St. Francis Xavier Parish’s annual action plan and key resolutions aimed at guiding its mission and ministry in the coming year.