Holy Cross Family Ministries Promotes Devotion to the Rosary in Bangladesh

In the heart of Bangladesh’s Catholic faith, the Rosary continues to be a wellspring of healing, strength, and spiritual renewal. From remote villages to bustling parish communities, countless testimonies speak of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession through this powerful prayer.

Udoy Chiran, a 16-year-old from Mariamnagar Parish in the Diocese of Mymensingh, shared a moving experience. “My mother had a large tumor in her stomach and was in terrible pain. I prayed to Mother Mary, asking her to bless my mother. Her pain eased, and later the tumor was successfully removed through surgery. Now my mother is completely healthy. I thank Mother Mary,” he said. Udoy prays the Rosary every evening with his family and encourages others in his village to do the same.

Fr. Ashesh Marcellinus Dio, a priest from the same diocese, also witnessed the power of the Rosary in a moment of crisis. While traveling to a remote village for pastoral work, he was suddenly struck by severe abdominal pain due to appendicitis. “I was in a life-or-death situation and couldn’t even drive my motorcycle. I began praying the Rosary, asking Mother Mary for help. Miraculously, I felt better and managed to return home safely. Later, I received proper treatment at the hospital. I truly believe it was Mother Mary who saved me that day,” he told Radio Veritas Asia.

Another devotee, Rumi Mree, a 35-year-old housewife and mother of three from Jalchatra Parish, said the Rosary freed her from paralyzing fear and anxiety. “I couldn’t go anywhere alone, even during the day. A Catholic sister advised me to pray the Rosary regularly. I began praying to Mother Mary and also received therapy. Now I am fully cured. I no longer feel fear. When I close my eyes, I see Mother Mary,” she said.

Such stories are echoed by thousands of Bangladeshi Catholics who have experienced Mary’s loving intercession through the Rosary.

In Bangladesh, Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM), led by Fr. Ruben Manuel Gomes, CSC, has been instrumental in strengthening Marian devotion across the country. Throughout the year, HCFM organizes seminars, retreats, and faith formation programs for children, youth, families, catechists, and religious groups. They reach even remote villages, distributing Rosaries, crosses, and images of Mother Mary in schools and catechism classes.

“In 2025 alone, we distributed 50,000 Rosaries and 100,000 images of Mother Mary,” Fr. Gomes, National Director of HCFM Bangladesh, told Radio Veritas Asia. “These efforts are helping to strengthen devotion to the Holy Rosary and spread Marian spirituality among families and parish communities.”

Under Fr. Gomes’ leadership, more than 1,000 seminars and spiritual programs have been conducted nationwide, inspired by the vision of Servant of God Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC, who said, “The family that prays together stays together.”

One of HCFM’s most impactful initiatives is “Soul’s Food,” a digital ministry that shares daily reflections and Marian devotion on social media, reaching thousands across Bangladesh.

“Fr. Ruben’s leadership continues to bear abundant fruit, spreading the love of Mary and the power of the Holy Rosary throughout Bangladesh, bringing families closer to Christ and strengthening the life of the Church,” said a catechist from Mymensingh Diocese.

As the Month of the Rosary draws to a close, the faithful in Bangladesh remain united in prayer, trusting in the maternal care of the Blessed Mother and the transformative power of the Rosary.