Former Seminarians Reunite Ahead of Bangladesh’s Oldest Seminary’s Centenary

Sixty-five former seminarians of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, including 16 accompanied by their wives, gathered at the Archbishop’s House in Dhaka on Sept. 18 for a reunion marked by fellowship, reflection, and shared memories.

Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, of Dhaka attended the event as chief guest. The gathering was organized by the Archdiocese of Dhaka ahead of the centenary celebration of Little Flower Minor Seminary in Bandura, scheduled for October 2.

Joseph Dulon Gomes, secretary-general of the Bangladesh Former Seminarians Forum, said the reunion provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and celebrate their roots.

"Little Flower Minor Seminary is closely tied to our childhood memories," Gomes told RVA News. "We spent some of the most formative years of our lives there. The seminary laid the foundation of our values, education, and future."

Established in Bandura, Little Flower Minor Seminary is the first seminary in Bangladesh and has played a pivotal role in the formation of Catholic clergy in the country. Over the years, it has produced hundreds of priests, including several archbishops and bishops.

Although many students did not eventually enter the priesthood, numerous former seminarians have continued serving the Church and society through leadership roles in government institutions, private organizations, and parish communities.

Gomes, a development professional, said former seminarians remain committed to supporting the Church both financially and spiritually.

"Many alumni hold responsible positions in Bangladesh and abroad. Following the announcement of the centenary celebration, they have generously contributed to the event and expressed interest in supporting infrastructure development at the seminary," he said. "Former seminarians have always stood beside the Church and continue to offer their support whenever needed."

Augustine Pratap Gomes, chairman of The Metropolitan Christian Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. and a former seminarian, credited the institution for shaping his future.

"I was able to establish myself in life because of the education and formation I received at Bandura Seminary," he said. "I remain deeply grateful to this institution."

Another participant, teacher Jewel Gabriel Rosario, described the seminary as a guiding force in his life.

"Little Flower Seminary was a beacon of light that shaped my character and values," Rozario said. "Although I did not become a priest, the education I received there helped me succeed in life and continue serving society. I owe much of who I am today to this institution."

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop D’Cruze praised the alumni for living out the values they learned at the seminary.

"The former students of Little Flower Seminary are applying the lessons they received there in their personal, family, and professional lives," he said. "They continue to contribute to the Church and society in meaningful ways. For this, they deserve our gratitude and congratulations."

The reunion served as both a celebration of shared memories and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Bangladesh’s oldest seminary as it prepares to mark 100 years of priestly and human formation