New Claretian Parish Brings Priests, Sacraments Closer to Catholics in Remote Northern Bangladesh

A new Claretian-run parish in northern Bangladesh is bringing priests and sacramental ministry closer to about 3,000 Catholics living in remote villages, where many previously traveled for hours to reach the nearest parish.

Chatra Catholic Church, formerly a sub-center of Mariampur Parish in the Diocese of Dinajpur, was officially elevated to a parish on September 20. The new parish serves Catholics in 10 villages, with two Claretian priests now residing in the area.

The inauguration brought together hundreds of Catholics from surrounding villages, along with Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kevin Randall, and Claretian leaders, including Fr. Peter Johnson, CMF, major superior of the Kolkata Delegation.

For local Catholics, the new parish means easier access to the Eucharist, confession, marriage preparation and other pastoral services.

“Previously, one had to travel from Mariampur Parish by road and river to provide pastoral care at Chatra Catholic Church,” Fr. Silas Murmu, parish priest of Mariampur, told RVA News.

“Now a parish has been established there, and two priests will reside in the area. This will help provide better sacramental ministry and pastoral care to the local Catholic community,” he said.

The Claretians, also known as the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF), accepted responsibility for the new parish after Bishop Tudu invited the congregation to expand its ministry in the area.

Fr. Michael Raja Pandiam, CMF, the new parish priest, said the congregation was committed to serving Catholics in remote communities.

“Since 2024, we have been serving in Mariampur Parish at the bishop’s request,” he said. “We are committed to proclaiming the Word of God in remote villages, which is why we were eager to undertake this mission in this part of Rangpur.”

The new parish has significant potential for growth. Seven catechists currently serve the villages, helping with catechesis, preparing catechumens and sharing the Gospel with local families.

“Every village in the parish has catechumens, and we expect the number of adult baptisms to increase in the future,” Fr. Murmu said. “It is a parish with great potential.”

For local Catholic Limon Baska, the presence of resident priests fulfills a long-standing need.

“Previously, no priest resided here, and we had to travel a long distance to Mariampur to receive pastoral care,” Baska said. “Now priests will be available nearby at all times. It will be a great benefit for our community.”

The Claretians are also developing their educational ministry in the region. In 2025, they established St. John Mary Vianney English Medium School in Mariampur, becoming the first religious congregation to establish an English-medium school in the Diocese of Dinajpur.

During the inauguration Mass, Archbishop Randall conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and encouraged the Catholic community to witness to Christ while building relationships with people of other faiths.

“You live alongside Muslim and Hindu neighbors; you must build unity with them,” the nuncio said. “As Christians, you must bear witness to Jesus.”

The new parish builds on a long history of Catholic missionary activity in the area. Priests of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) began evangelization efforts in the region about six decades ago, later assisted by Missionaries of Charity sisters.

For the past two decades, the Shanti Rani Sisters have supported the community through a primary school and girls’ hostel. They also conduct catechism classes, visit families and assist with faith formation.

With resident Claretian priests now serving the area, the establishment of Chatra Parish marks a new phase in the Church’s pastoral presence in northern Bangladesh, bringing sacramental ministry and opportunities for evangelization and education closer to Catholics in remote villages.