Bangladesh: Youth embrace God’s call at World Vocation Day in Our Lady of Lourdes Church
The Catholic Church in Bangladesh held a half-day celebration of World Vocation Day, joining the global Church in reflecting on the meaning of God’s call, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bonpara on May 11.
This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: A Gift of Life,” emphasized that every vocation—whether lay, religious, or ordained—is a response to God’s enduring hope for the world. As many as 120 boys and girls participated, along with parish priests and nuns from various congregations.
The program opened with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by parish priest Father Dilip S. Cost. In his homily, he reminded participants that life itself is the greatest gift from God.
“Each of our lives is a divine gift,” Father Costa said. “We are called to use that gift meaningfully, in service and love.”
He emphasized the importance of listening with the heart to discern God’s unique calling for each person.
The day continued with thematic reflections and personal testimonies. Father Suresh Purification, Rector of Pope Paul VI Seminary, spoke about the spiritual depth and responsibilities of diocesan priests. Father Shyamol James Gomes, Assistant Parish Priest, facilitated a session on life-sharing, encouraging open dialogue among the youth.
Women religious from several congregations—including the SMRA, Shanti Rani CIC, PIME, and RNDM Sisters—shared stories about their vocational journeys, offering insights into the joys and challenges of consecrated life.
The event concluded with a joyful cultural program, where youth participants expressed their talents through songs, dances, and dramas centered on faith and vocation.
In his official message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis—speaking from his hospital room in Rome—invited the Church to see every vocation as a “sign of hope.”
“God’s call is always a gift,” the Pope wrote. “It invites us on a journey of love and service.”
World Vocation Day, traditionally observed on Good Shepherd Sunday, calls on the faithful to pray for more vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and committed lay ministry in the Church.
The event at Bonpara Catholic Church echoed that call, planting seeds of discernment in the hearts of many young attendees.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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