Bangladeshi Indigenous Catholic Couple Receives Papal Honor for Lay Service

Recognizing decades of selfless lay leadership, pastoral service, and community development among indigenous communities, the Holy See has conferred one of the Vatican’s highest lay honors on a Catholic couple from northeastern Bangladesh.

Mihir Martina Mree and his wife, Mabel Martha Daru, from the Diocese of Mymensingh, received the Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and the Pope). The prestigious papal medal was presented during a special Eucharistic celebration on October 17 at Bhalukapara Church in the Mymensingh Diocese, a region bordering India’s Meghalaya state that is home to a vibrant indigenous Catholic population.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kevin Randall and Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi of Mymensingh presented the certificates and Vatican medals before hundreds of gathered faithful and clergy.

Mree served for 19 consecutive years (2004–2023) as vice president of the local parish council. During his tenure, he coordinated catechetical programs, organized major religious celebrations, assisted in the ordination ceremonies of six diocesan priests, and mentored local youth toward religious vocations.

Beyond pastoral work, Mree led socio-economic development across the region. As chairman of the Pirgachha Thangyani Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., he expanded its membership from 900 to 4,500, building financial resilience for local Catholic families. He also worked professionally as a development practitioner with World Vision Bangladesh.

His wife, Daru, dedicated 30 years to Catholic education and parish catechesis. Previously named the diocese’s best “Child Animator,” she is also widely celebrated for her work in preserving traditional Garo indigenous culture, music, and dance.

Presenting the award, Bishop Kubi emphasized that the papal cross honors active Christian witness in broader society.

“Through their lives and actions, Mihir Mree and Martha Daru have demonstrated that Christian faith is not confined to prayer and worship alone,” Bishop Kubi said. “Rather, it finds its true expression in service to humanity, the betterment of society, the preservation of culture, and the creation of a brighter future for the next generation.”

Praising Daru’s cultural guardianship, the bishop added, “Her enduring commitment to preserving, practicing, and promoting Garo culture and traditions, especially traditional Garo dance, is of immense value.”

Diocesan Vicar General Monsignor Simon Hacha praised the couple’s role in local peacebuilding and conflict mediation. Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Monsignor Hacha noted that the couple consistently stood beside villagers during moments of social unrest, offering mediation and fostering harmony in the community.

Accepting the honor, Mree expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the challenges of lay ministry.

“When I first heard that I would receive the Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, it felt like a dream,” Mree said. “It was unimaginable that an ordinary Christian like me would be bestowed with such a prestigious honor on behalf of the Holy Father.”

He acknowledged that working for social and ecclesial development often brings misunderstandings and leadership hurdles. Nevertheless, he noted that perseverance, faith, and mutual respect remain essential for building both the Church and society in South Asia.