Bangladesh: Dhaka Archdiocese Honours Priest and Two Lay Faithful with Monsignor and Benemerenti Awards

A priest and two lay faithful from the Archdiocese of Dhaka, Bangladesh, were conferred with prestigious titles of “Monsignor” and “Benemerenti” on January 24 during a special Holy Eucharistic Celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ramna, Dhaka.

The honorees were Father Gabriel Corraya, who received the title of Monsignor, and Ms. Dora D’Rozario and Mrs. Rebecca Quia, both awarded the Benemerenti Medal in recognition of their outstanding service to the Church.

The honors had been officially announced earlier, on January 5, by Auxiliary Bishop Subrata B. Gomes, who conveyed that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV had conferred these distinctions on the three members of the Archdiocese of Dhaka.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka, with concelebration by Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader of Chittagong, Bishop Romen Bairagi of Khulna, Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi of Mymensingh, Bishop Joseph Shorot Gomes of Sylhet, Auxiliary Bishop Subrata B. Gomes of Dhaka, and retired Bishop Theotonius Gomes.

Around 80 priests from different dioceses, along with religious brothers and sisters, leaders of Church institutions, and a large gathering of lay faithful, attended the celebration.

Delivering the homily, Archbishop Howlader highlighted the recipients’ dedication, saying, “These three individuals have lived their lives in the light of God’s Word and have received God’s blessings.”

Explaining the significance of the title Monsignor, he said, “The Bengali meaning of Monsignor is ‘My Lord.’ Like the Magnificat of Mary, Monsignor Gabriel Corraya has proclaimed God’s Word through his priestly ministry and dedicated service, becoming a shining example within the priestly community.”

Referring to Ms. Dora D’Rozario, the Archbishop said, “Though she desired to become a religious sister, she embraced her calling with steadfast dedication. Through her life of service, enduring hardships with joy, God has bestowed this blessing upon her.”

About Mrs. Rebecca Quia, he noted, “As a layperson, she has set an outstanding example by serving children through her work with World Vision. Her dedication has uplifted and transformed many lives.”

Quoting Saint Paul, Archbishop Howlader concluded, “This is indeed a noble struggle. We pray for them, and may we follow the same path of faithful service to the Lord.”

Expressing his gratitude, Monsignor Gabriel Corraya said, “Though I am not worthy of this honor, God has graciously bestowed it upon me. Today, as I wear this attire, I pray not for the garment itself, but that God may clothe my heart with humility, faith, and love.”

Ms. Dora D’Rozario thanked His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and all Church leaders for their guidance, recalling Psalm 27: “May I dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”

Mrs. Rebecca Quia expressed gratitude to World Vision and the Tejgaon Parish community for opportunities to serve, particularly children, and thanked the Holy Father for the recognition.

The title Monsignor is an honorary designation conferred by the Pope to priests, recognizing distinguished service, higher dignity, and special responsibilities within the Church. The term comes from the Italian Monsignore, meaning “my lord.”

The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to clergy and laity for long, exceptional, and meritorious service to the Church and society. The Latin term benemerenti means “to a well-deserving person,” reflecting the award’s purpose of honoring decades of dedicated service.