From Baptist Youth to Catholic Priest: A Unique Journey to the Priesthood in Bangladesh
The Catholic community of Diglakuna Parish in the Diocese of Mymensingh, northeastern Bangladesh, celebrated a historic milestone on January 16 with the ordination of its first priest, Fr. Tharson Francis Mrong, CSC, whose remarkable faith journey began in the Baptist Church.
Diglakuna is a remote village in Sherpur district, where most residents were once Hindus. In 1996, Filipino Holy Cross priest Fr. Alejandro R. Rabanal, CSC, began proclaiming the Gospel in the area. Over time, many families embraced Christianity, and in 2013 Diglakuna was formally established as a parish. Today, the parish serves 11 villages and is home to nearly 2,000 Catholics, assisted by four religious sisters.
Fr. Tharson, who hails from Hariakona village, under Diglakuna Parish, is the first priest to emerge from this growing Catholic community.
What makes his vocation particularly distinctive is that he was raised in a Baptist family. At the age of 16, while still a Baptist youth, he came to live at the Catholic hostel of Diglakuna Parish to pursue his studies. There, he was deeply inspired by the simple lifestyle and spiritual dedication of the Holy Cross priests.
“I was attracted by their way of life,” Fr. Tharson recalled. “I asked one of the priests how I could become like them. He told me that if I joined the seminary, I could become a priest.”
With the consent of his parents, Fr. Tharson received Baptism and First Communion on April 4, 2009. The following year, on May 15, he entered the seminary. After years of formation, prayer, and study, he was ordained a priest on January 16, 2026.
Fr. Rabanal, who played a key role in evangelizing the region, served in Bangladesh for several decades. He passed away on April 3, 2022, at the age of 88, at St. John Vianney Hospital in Dhaka. He is fondly remembered for his tireless visits to remote villages and his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Presiding over the ordination, Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi, CSC, of the Mymensingh Diocese described the event as a moment of profound joy for the local Church.
“Today we glorify and praise Almighty God because we have received Deacon Tharson as a priest at the beginning of 2026,” the bishop said. “This is a historic moment because he is the first priest from Diglakuna Parish. Through long years of prayer, sacrifice, and study, he has responded to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The bishop also reminded the newly ordained priest of the challenges of ministry, quoting Scripture: “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). A priest must trust fully in God and serve faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard.”
Fr. Tharson candidly shared the struggles he faced during his formation. “I was born and raised in a Baptist family, and I experienced many inner conflicts and doubts,” he said. “My mother often asked me to return home and not become a priest, but my father encouraged me to choose my own path. In time, my mother accepted my decision.”
Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of perseverance. “If a person truly desires something, it is possible to reach that goal. My desire to become a priest helped me face obstacles and challenges. I tried to remain faithful even in small responsibilities.”
Local Catholics expressed pride and hope as they welcomed their first priest. Sulov Dophu, a parishioner of Diglakuna, said the community stands firmly behind Fr. Tharson.
“Priests are human beings with weaknesses,” he said. “We must share their joys and sorrows and support them with our prayers, especially in difficult times. Our support will be their strength.”
For Diglakuna Parish, Fr. Tharson’s ordination is not only a personal achievement but also a powerful sign that faith has taken deep root in what was once a remote mission area.
