Pope Erects New Diocese of Joypurhat in Bangladesh, Appoints Fr. Paul Gomes as First Bishop
On March 25, Pope Leo XIV erected a new diocese in Bangladesh, appointing Fr. Paul Gomes, a priest of the Diocese of Rajshahi and currently Rector of the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka, as its first bishop.
The newly created Diocese of Joypurhat comprises territories taken from the Diocese of Rajshahi and the Diocese of Dinajpur in northern Bangladesh, making it a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Dhaka.
The announcement was made by Archbishop Kevin Randall, Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, at 5:00 pm local time.
Fr. Paul Gomes was born on September 3, 1962. He completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the Holy Spirit National Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka (1985–1991) and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Notre Dame College, Dhaka (1982–1984).
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rajshahi on December 29, 1992. After serving in parish ministry for several years, he pursued advanced studies at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, earning a Master’s degree in Dogmatic Theology. He also obtained a Diploma in Psycho-Spirituality from the St. Anselm Institute in Kent, England.
Since 2002, Fr. Gomes has served as a Professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary, also holding the position of Vice-Rector (2009–2010). He subsequently served as Parish Priest of Virgo Potens Catholic Church, Borni (2010–2015) and Good Shepherd Cathedral, Rajshahi (2016–2021), during which he was also Vicar General of the Diocese of Rajshahi. Since June 2, 2021, he has served as Rector of the Holy Spirit Major Seminary.
On his appointment, Bishop Gervas Rozario of the Rajshahi diocese extended his congratulations and prayers.
Speaking to RVA, Fr. Gomes expressed his gratitude:
"I offer my heartfelt gratitude and love to God, who has chosen me to serve the Diocese of Joypurhat. Entrusting myself completely to Him, I humbly accept this sacred ministry and seek your prayers and blessings."
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