Bangladeshi nun helps people to navigate life challenges through counseling services

A Catholic nun in Bangladesh has provided mental health services to people from various walks of life since 2010 in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. 

Dr. Sr. Lipy Gloria Rozario is a counseling psychologist, founder, and director of the Healing Heart Counseling Unit. She belongs to the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The nun teaches at the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the University of Dhaka, the country's top public university.

She obtained her bachelor's degree from Libera L'universita Maria Santissima Assunta, Rome, Italy, in 2005 and finished her double master's in spirituality (2008) and counseling (2010) from Santa Clara University, California, USA. 

In 2010, she founded the Healing Heart Counseling Unit in Dhaka. Through it, she provides psychological and counseling services to NGOs, religious organizations, students, and others. She organizes seminars and workshops on mental health while raising awareness.

For her, mental health is a key to life, productivity, performance, and relationship well-being for all.

With proper mental health, people can navigate their lives and workplace challenges. They learn to build healthy relationships with others, colleagues, neighbors, and family members. They also enhance their faith. It fosters a stronger connection with others, she said.

Rosario was born in 1971. At 1In 1990, she entered the Our Lady of Sorrows congregation. She began novitiate training in Italy in 1993 and professed her first vows in 1995 before returning to Bangladesh. In 2001, she professed her final vows.  

Through her Healing Heart Counseling Unit, the nun promotes healthy lifestyles for everyone in a society that desires peace and harmony.

Employing skills, a professional approach, and knowledge of counseling psychology, she helps people to be happy, healthy, and prosperous, she says.

Her center assists individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of religion or socioeconomic status, by making counseling services accessible and affordable.

She also trains students, volunteers, NGOs, and others to be part of their service.

She plans to render her service to people in rural areas as well.