Nine Seminarians Ordained Deacons at Bangladesh’s National Major Seminary

Nine seminarians were ordained to the diaconate during a solemn ceremony held on May 22 at Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The seminary is the country’s only national institution for Catholic priestly formation.

The diaconate ordination marked an important moment for the Church in Bangladesh, bringing together clergy, religious, seminarians, and faithful to celebrate a new generation of ministers preparing for priesthood and pastoral service.

The newly ordained deacons are Albert Tudu of Dinajpur Diocese; Anjan Francis Sikdar and Thomas Rony Gomez of Barishal Diocese; Maximilian Salman Raban, Khokon Francis Nayek, and Shimon Gaddi of Sylhet Diocese; Sadhumoni Francis Tripura of Chattogram Diocese; and Mithun Samuel Gomez and Hriday Michael Purification of Rajshahi Diocese.

Archbishop Subroto Howlader of Chattogram presided over the Eucharistic celebration alongside about 30 priests. Religious sisters from various congregations, family members of the ordinands, and Catholic faithful from different parts of the country also attended the liturgy.

A special prayer service, Eucharistic adoration, and blessing ceremony for the candidates took place on the evening before the ordination. Prayers focused on the future ministry and mission of the men preparing to enter ordained service.

In his homily, Archbishop Howlader reminded the newly ordained deacons that their calling was not one of status or privilege but of humility, sacrifice, and service.

“Today you are about to receive a new identity and a new responsibility,” he said. “This identity is not merely one of honor, but a call to self-sacrifice, humility, and service.”

The archbishop highlighted the three key dimensions of diaconal ministry: proclaiming the Word of God, serving people in need, and assisting bishops and priests in the Church’s sacramental and pastoral life. He encouraged the deacons to live faithfully what they preach and remain close to the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.

Drawing on the example of Christ at the Last Supper, Archbishop Howlader emphasized that service lies at the heart of Christian ministry. He urged the newly ordained deacons to carry out their responsibilities with holiness, dedication, and love.

One of the newly ordained deacons expressed gratitude for reaching an important stage in his vocation journey, describing the diaconate as preparation for future priestly ministry.

The ceremony concluded with words of thanks from Fr. Paul Gomes, rector of Holy Spirit Major Seminary and bishop-elect of Joypurhat, who formally closed the celebration.