Bangladesh Diocesan Priests' Fraternity Holds Annual Meeting and Conference on Pilgrimage of Hope

The Bangladesh Diocesan Priests’ Fraternity (BDPF) held its annual meeting and conference on the Pilgrimage of Hope at Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani from June 24 to 27.

The central theme of this year’s assembly was “Pilgrim of Hope with the Blessed Virgin Mary.” 

As many as 164 participants, including archbishops, bishops, and priests from various dioceses across Bangladesh, took part in the event.

The inaugural Eucharistic celebration of the assembly was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Subroto Boniface Gomes of the Archdiocese of Dhaka.

In his homily, the bishop said, “We are holding this assembly in the Jubilee Year with Mother Mary. She is the Mother of priests. Let this pilgrimage with our Mother be fruitful.”

Father Mintu Lawrence Palma, president of the Bangladesh Diocesan Priests' Fraternity, delivered the welcome address at the opening ceremony.

He said, “This year, during the Jubilee Year of Jesus’ birth, we are meditating on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Without hope, human beings cannot live.”

He added, “Hope is a tremendous power. We, the diocesan priests, have gathered here to embark on a pilgrimage with Mother Mary. A pilgrimage is not just visiting places but journeying with Mary in our hearts on the path of Jesus.”

In his homily at the closing Eucharist, Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka said, “We are in the Jubilee Year of Jesus’ birth. This jubilee speaks to us of hope, and we're reflecting on it. Faith is born from hope. So, we must become people of hope.”

“We must remain hopeful that Jesus will relieve our burdens. When we learn to embrace our suffering, it becomes praise to God,” said the archbishop. 

Father Paul Gomes, Rector of the Holy Spirit Major Seminary, welcomed all the priests, saying, “This seminary is our common home. It is here we received education, spirituality, care, and love that made us priests. Despite our busy schedules, we came together, and this is the journey of diocesan priests in Bangladesh.”

Holy Cross Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi of the Diocese of Mymensingh, said, “The Jubilee Year inspires us to live anew in hope. We are currently in a global context marked by war, unrest, division, and turmoil. In this reality, the birth Jubilee of Jesus proclaims a message of hope.”

Father Proshanto Theotonius Rebeiro shared the theme of "Pilgrimage of Hope with Mother Mary."

"Every priest must realize how Mary journeys with us on our pilgrimage." Priests should keep Mary at the heart of their priestly vocation. Through her intercession, we become bearers and missionaries of hope," he said. 

Reflecting on “Different Aspects of Sacred Liturgy,” Father Peter Chanel Gomes said, “Worship is a real expression of our faith. It is the union of God with His people. Worship, especially the Eucharist, is the highest peak and source of all ecclesial action. It is becoming the Body of Christ.”

Father Francis Murmu, sharing on “Relevant and Appropriate Guidance for Promoting Diocesan Priestly Vocations,” said, “The task of promoting vocational opportunities is not solely for priests and sisters. Every Christian can contribute to this mission.”

Father Mintu Lawrence Palma also discussed the topic “Reformed Book of CCL 1983” and spoke about canonical penalties for violating Church laws. He said, “As priests, it is essential that we are aware of these laws.”

The assembly also included various activities such as the sharing of annual pastoral experiences, the unveiling of books and souvenir publications, the reading of the previous meeting’s minutes, and the election of a new executive committee.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Gervas Rozario expressed gratitude to all and said, “The chosen theme for this year’s assembly, in union with the Jubilee of Jesus’ birth, is very timely.”

“Let us never forget the hope we live by. If we truly love the Church, we must serve it. And serving the Church is serving Jesus,” said Rozario.