Italian missionary priest Ezio Mascaretti, a member of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, died on June 11. He was 81. The missionary spent 30 years in Bangladesh, especially in the Barisal Catholic Diocese.
He leaves a glorious legacy—a life that stood as a radiant example of service, sacrifice, and Christian love.
The Barisal Catholic Diocese, as well as the entire Catholic community of Bangladesh, is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Father’s passing. He was born on November 7, 1944, in Villa d’Almè, Bergamo Province, Italy.
Later, in 1981, he joined the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and was ordained as a priest.
In his WhatsApp message, Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario said, “I remember you with a great sense of gratitude, recalling a dedicated missionary, a great pastor, a lover of the poor, and an excellent and creative architect who has left a long and extended legacy in many parishes of Bangladesh.” “Whatever constructions were done during my time in the Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Dhaka dioceses, it was your architectural design, vision, and implementation. You built many churches; now you live there eternally and dwell there with others,” said Cardinal D’Rozario.
His first missionary assignment was at the Gournadi mission in the Barisal region in Bangladesh. He later served in remote parishes in Narikelbari and Padrishibpur, offering dedicated pastoral care. He became a voice for the people.
In addition to spiritual care, Father Ezio played an immense role in the development work of the Church in Bangladesh—raising funds, designing churches and residences, contributing to architecture, and overall taking a leading part in construction projects.
He was a fierce voice against injustice, never bowing to wrongdoing and, at the same time, opening his heart to the poor and needy. His heart was full of love.
He cared for, served, helped, and truly loved all people regardless of religion or ethnicity. Through his visionary planning and effective implementation, he greatly enriched the Church in Bangladesh. For this, he will forever remain honored and cherished in the heart of the Church.
A special article on Father Ezio’s extraordinary missionary life was published in Italy’s PIME magazine Mondo e Missione. There, he is described as “The Bergamasque of Villa d’Almè,” who courageously brought faith, hope, and service to the marginalized people of Bangladesh.
The Barisal Catholic Diocese and the entire Catholic community of Bangladesh remember him with deep gratitude for his selfless missionary service and remarkable contribution.
In his social media message, Bishop Emmanuel K. Rozario of the Barisal Catholic Diocese said, “We remember him with thanks and gratitude for his dedicated missionary services and his great contributions to the Barisal Catholic Diocese. May the Good Lord grant him eternal rest and peace in heaven and consolation to the members of the PIME Missionary Society. May he rest in peace in heaven.”
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