“One day, an Italian PIME priest came to our village to preach the Word of God. He invited me to join a hostel, and I accepted. Gradually, my life began to change,” said Fr. Vincent Baburam Hasdak, 46, a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi (TOR Franciscan Friars), speaking to RVA News.
Fr. Hasdak hails from Kistopur village in Nijpara parish, located in Dinajpur, northern Bangladesh. At the time, Fr. Emanuel Gomes, the first TOR Franciscan Friar from Bangladesh, was serving as parish priest in Nijpara. He and other priests, sisters, and catechists tirelessly shared the Gospel with non-Christians in the village. On a memorable day in 1989, ten-year-old Vincent, along with his family and four other families, totaling 50 Hindu individuals, received baptism.
Following his baptism, Vincent joined the parish-run hostel in Nijpara. He later continued his education at Catholic boarding schools in Mariampur and Boldipukur. Inspired by the kindness and love shown by the nuns during his boarding life, he felt drawn to religious life. “The sisters used to pick me up in their arms and show me affection. Their gentle behavior touched me deeply and led me to consider becoming a priest,” he recalled.
He also saw photos of saints in the hostel and enjoyed reading about their lives, which further inspired his interest in religious life. “I used to think, maybe I can become like the saints!” he recalled, reflecting on his teenage years.
After completing his schooling, he entered the TOR Franciscan seminary and was ordained in 2008.
Fr. Hasdak has served in both seminaries and parishes. Currently, he ministers at Dostompur sub-parish in Thakurgaon, where he is the headmaster of the parish school and oversees the hostel. The sub-parish is home to around 1,200 Catholics.
In addition to his educational responsibilities, Fr. Hasdak and fellow priest Fr. Augustine Kujur actively preach the Gospel among non-Christians. A nearby catechumen village is preparing for a significant moment: 50 individuals from 12 families are expected to receive baptism this year. Fr. Hasdak plays a vital role in guiding and preparing these families for their initiation into the faith.
“Our main mission is to preach the Word of God,” he said. “We seek new opportunities, visit new villages, and share the message with non-Muslims. As followers of Jesus Christ, this is essential.”
He believes their presence in non-Christian areas serves as a silent witness. “When we visit new villages, people notice the cross we wear and ask questions. This opens the door for dialogue,” he explained. “We don’t always speak directly about Jesus. Sometimes, we simply engage in conversation and build relationships.”
Fr. Hasdak sees great potential for expanding the Kingdom of God in Bangladesh. “We preach in remote villages. Many people are preparing to receive Jesus Christ. But to continue this mission, we need more priests,” he emphasized.
One of their biggest challenges is the limited number of clergy. “If we had more priests, we could reach more people and strengthen our ministry,” he said.
To encourage vocations, the TOR Friars have appointed a full-time vocation promoter. They also conduct family visits and speak with Catholic teenagers to inspire interest in religious life.
Financial constraints pose another challenge. Previously, they received support from their headquarters in Rome, Italy, but that assistance has ceased. “Many needy people come to us for food and medical help. We try to assist, but it’s difficult without sufficient funds,” Fr. Hasdak shared.
When they cannot meet people’s needs directly, they refer them to nearby parishes or the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. “We also help drop-out youth gain skills for employment by referring them to Catholic technical schools,” he added.
Despite the hardships, Fr. Hasdak finds deep fulfillment in his vocation. “Though this life has many challenges, listening to people’s suffering and helping them makes me feel blessed. Their smiles and gratitude give me strength,” he said.
The TOR Franciscan Friars began their ministry in Bangladesh in 1995. Today, they have eight priests and one religious brother. Sadly, one brother and two priests have passed away due to age and illness. Currently, four seminarians are preparing to join the order.
Fr. Hasdak’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring commitment of those who serve in remote and underserved communities. Through education, pastoral care, and outreach, he continues to guide new believers and strengthen the Catholic presence in northern Bangladesh.
(Sumon Corraya is a freelance journalist based in Bangladesh who contributes regularly to major Catholic magazines and media platforms.)
