to 27, 2025. (Photo: BDPF)
The Bangladesh Diocesan Priests’ Fraternity (BDPF) held its annual retreat in two groups from September 15 to 27 at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Dhaka. Themed “Priest with Jesus, on the Path of Mother Mary,” the retreat was directed by Father Markus Murmu and drew the participation of 171 diocesan priests, including four bishops.
Opening the retreat, Father Mintu Lawrence Palma, President of BDPF, reminded participants of its importance: “Throughout the year we dedicate our time to the people. These days of retreat are extremely important for our own spiritual care.”
Fr. Murmu led reflections on the priesthood in today’s world, the role of Mother Mary in priestly life, synodality, and synodal spirituality. He invited participants to reflect on key questions: “Since the day of ordination, how has our priestly life been? What is the Holy Spirit saying to me? The Jesus we follow, what would He do, and what are we doing now?”
He emphasized that prayer is the foundation of priesthood: “The priestly life is a life of following the praying Jesus. Through ordination, we have received the mission to proclaim the Word, directly and indirectly. Whatever we do must be for the good of people, and dialogue with them is essential, just as Jesus did.”
Fr. Murmu outlined four pillars of priestly life: relationship with God, with the bishop, with fellow priests, and with the people. A priest, he said, must look at the past with gratitude, the present with love, and the future with hope. He urged priests to journey daily with Mother Mary: “Without Mother Mary, a priest is like an orphan. When we pray through her intercession, God never rejects it.”
Turning to synodal spirituality, he reminded the participants: “The Church must walk as both pilgrim and a listener. In the synodal journey, everyone’s voice and opinion must be heard to build communion. Priests, united with the Church, must also embrace this spirituality.”
Reflecting on the experience, Fr. Michael Corraya, a participant, shared: “Our retreat preacher enlightened us in the light of the Bible, Church teachings, the Fathers, and the Popes. Our apostolic work should not remain confined to words alone but must be lived with compassion and love for the people.”
The two-week retreat provided priests with time for prayer, communion, and renewal, strengthening them to live more fully as shepherds of God’s people.
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