Bangladesh’s Catholic Church is celebrating a historic milestone this year with the ordination of 26 priests, the highest number in its history. This remarkable achievement reflects the tireless efforts of families, clergy, and communities in nurturing vocations. Among these newly ordained priests is Fr. Sentu Lawrence Biswas, a Salesian of Don Bosco, whose vocation story is a testimony of perseverance, faith, and divine whisper.
Born on May 26, 1992, in Khordo village of Satkhira District, Fr. Biswas grew up in a devout Catholic family. His father, late Simon Biswas, and mother, Jharna Biswas, instilled in him Christian values through regular family prayers. “My grandmother, late Mrs. Lebu Rebecca Biswas, played a key role in shaping my conscience in love and service,” he recalls. These early influences planted the seed of priesthood in his heart.
As a child, Sentu actively served at the altar and participated in parish activities. A pivotal moment came during a pastoral visit by late Bishop Michael A.D. Rozario CSC. “He asked me if I wanted to become a priest. I said yes, and his words encouraged me to prepare myself for the Lord’s service,” Fr. Biswas shares. That simple question became a guiding light for his future.
After completing his secondary education, Sentu volunteered in a mission in Narail, where a conversation with a diocesan seminarian rekindled his vocation dream. He was introduced to Fr. Francis Allencherry SDB, an Indian Salesian missionary, and joined the ‘Come and See’ program in May 2013. Soon after, he entered the aspirantate at Don Bosco Seminary in Utrail.
However, the journey was not without struggles. “After two months, I felt seminary life was not for me and decided to leave,” he admits. But God had other plans. On his way home, a profound experience changed everything. “I felt embraced by the wind and had a vision of the Annunciation. A voice whispered, ‘Do not be afraid.’ At that moment, I surrendered to God, echoing Mary’s words: ‘Let it be done to me according to your word.’”
This guided him through formation and became his priestly motto: pre-novitiate in 2014, novitiate in Siliguri in 2015, first profession in 2016, and philosophy studies at Salesian College, Darjeeling. He later completed practical training in Joypurhat and earned a Master’s in English from Asian University, Dhaka. His perpetual profession took place in 2022, followed by theology at Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong. He received diaconate in July 2025 and was ordained priest on November 28, 2025, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Uttara, Dhaka by Bishop James Romen Boiragi of Khulna Diocese.
Fr. Biswas is the first Salesian priest from Khulna Diocese, a proud moment for his family and parish. He now serves as assistant parish priest at Khonjonpur Parish in Joypurhat, where he is also principal of an English-medium school and oversees a formation house for Salesians. His responsibilities are demanding, but his enthusiasm is contagious. “I feel immensely grateful to my parents, siblings, relatives, and all those who guided me, especially Fr. Kollol Rozario and Fr. Francis Allencherry,” he says.
His mission is clear: to work among the poor and prioritize youth. “I noticed that young people from villages often feel neglected. Yet they are the future priests and leaders. Following St. Don Bosco’s vision, I want to walk with them, listen to them, and help them move forward,” he explains. For Fr. Biswas, priesthood is not just a role but a lifelong commitment to accompany the young and marginalized.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “God chose me, and I see priesthood as the best option to bear witness to Jesus Christ to the world.” His story is a reminder that vocation is not always a straight path, it can involve doubts, struggles, and moments of grace. What matters is the openness to God’s whisper and the courage to respond.
As Bangladesh celebrates its historic ordination year, Fr. Sentu’s life stands as a beacon of hope. His journey, from a small village in Satkhira to the altar of the Lord, echoes the truth that God calls in silence, and those who listen can transform lives. His dream is simple yet profound: “To glorify God’s name and serve those most in need.”
Fr. Sentu Lawrence Biswas’ story is more than a personal testimony; it is an invitation to trust in God’s plan. It reminds us that every whisper of grace can lead to a life of service and joy.
