A Warm Embrace: The Beginning of a Sacred Missionary Zeal in Bangladesh.

In a momentous step towards fostering faith and service, the Montfort Brothers of Ranchi Province, led by Bro. Jacob Panjikaran and Bro. Rajesh Barla, inaugurated a new mission in the Diocese of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, on Sunday, March 09, 2025.

A Grand Welcome by the Diocese

The arrival of the missionaries was greeted with warm hospitality. Most Rev. Gevas Rozario, the Bishop of Rajshahi, Rev. Fr. Premu Rozario, the Parish Priest, along with esteemed Priests, Sisters and the faithful community, extended a heartfelt welcome to the Brothers on 09 March, 2025. In a solemn yet joyful ceremony at Andharkota, the local Parish Church, the Bishop blessed their mission and encouraged them to be beacons of Christ’s love in the region.

The Church as a Home: the Community Rejoices

The local villagers, young and old, gathered in large numbers in the church to witness the commencement of this holy mission. No celebration in Bangladesh is complete without the mesmerising beats of traditional music and the grace of folk dances. The local community honoured the missionaries with a traditional welcome as part of the welcome ceremony. The rhythmic steps of the dancers, dressed in decorative costumes, narrated the story of their land, their struggles, and their unwavering faith. Bro. Jacob and Bro. Rajesh, with humility and devotion, embraced their new mission with their commitment to English education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and faith formation.

Bro. Johnson V. George, SG