The Catholic Church in Bangladesh observes Priest Day on Holy Thursday, commemorating the institution of the priesthood and reminding the faithful of Christ’s call to serve through humility, sacrifice, and love.
On this day, laypeople across the country greet their priests with flowers and prayers, an expression of gratitude for their dedicated service to the Church.
On the occasion of Priest Day, RVA News spoke with Fr. Nicholas Mondol, 49, currently serving at Sacred Heart Church, Jessore Parish, in southern Bangladesh.
In the interview, he shared reflections on his priesthood, its joys and challenges, and the inspiration that continues to guide his pastoral ministry.
“As a priest, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” Fr. Mondol told RVA News. “For me, the priesthood is a beautiful life, and I enjoy it fully. Through this life, I care for Catholics and guide them as a spiritual mentor. My mission is to bring them closer to God and, ultimately, to heaven.”
Reflecting on the significance of the ritual of the washing of the feet, he said, “On Holy Thursday, we priests also wash the feet of twelve faithful in the church. As I do this, I deeply feel that I am participating in the work of Jesus. A special emotion rises within us during this moment; it reveals our love for the people we serve. Many of those whose feet we wash also become emotional and express their love in return.”
Fr. Mondol described the priesthood as a life that demands constant awareness, maturity, and self-discipline. “I am very happy in this life,” he said. “I understand its values. As a priest, I cannot live like ordinary people. The faithful observe me closely because I am their spiritual guide. They want to see a reflection of Jesus Christ in my lifestyle. That is why I cannot dress, eat, or behave like an ordinary person. Priesthood calls me to a more mature way of living.”
He also emphasized the role of the laity in supporting priests, stressing that priestly ministry is not possible without the cooperation of the faithful. “Priests come from families, and they need the support of Catholics,” he said. “We serve the faithful throughout our lives, so laypeople also have a responsibility toward priests. I hope for their cooperation, love, and respect.”
Fr. Mondol has been serving in Jessore for the past three years. Earlier, he worked as an assistant parish priest in several parishes across the Khulna Diocese. He completed higher studies in spirituality at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia in the Philippines, an experience he said profoundly shaped his personal and pastoral outlook.
“My studies transformed me,” he explained. “They helped me become a more positive person. In the past, I reacted quickly, but now I listen first and try to understand. This formation helped me change, and now I also encourage people to develop a positive mentality.”
In his pastoral ministry, Fr. Mondol places strong emphasis on family visits, seeing them as a vital means of strengthening faith. “I have gradually visited all Catholic families, and this continues,” he said. “When I visit their homes, I bless them and pray together. Earlier, some Catholics did not attend church regularly, but after these visits and personal invitations to Holy Mass, they began participating again. That brings me great joy.”
Youth ministry is another priority in his parish. “Children and young people are the future of the Church,” he said. “We provide catechesis and encourage them to embrace religious values. Our youth actively participate in church activities, seminars, and in decorating the church during Christmas and Easter.”
On Priest Day this year, Fr. Mondol was greeted with flowers by his parishioners. Reflecting on the meaning of the celebration, he spoke with humility and gratitude. “I may have sacrificed a little by becoming a priest,” he concluded, “but I receive so much love from the faithful. I serve as a bridge between God and His people. This is the true beauty of priesthood.”
