Jesuits open new centre in Dhaka

(May 4, 2010) Jesuits in Bangladesh have started a new mission near the capital which the local Church has hailed as a boon. Archbishop Paulinus Costa of Dhaka presided at a Mass on May 1 for the inauguration of the newly built Nobojoyti Niketon (Home of New Light) at Mathbari parish of Kaligonj, about 50 kilometers northeast of Dhaka. About 400 Catholics including 10 priests attended the opening ceremony of the six-story building. The archbishop said the centre will assist troubled couples and youths who have gone astray, and will also host inter-religious seminars. “This centre will conduct conferences and retreats for priests and religious in the country and abroad. I think it will significantly help the Church grow more, spiritually,” the Dhaka archbishop said. Until now, the Bangladesh Jesuits have been based in a rented building in Dhaka. The centre was started in response to the request of Bangladesh’s Catholic bishops, particularly Dhaka archdiocese. Indian Jesuit Father Srijon, an expert on traditional Bengali Baul folk music, told UCA News that he will work at the centre to perform and train people on his musical skills as way to preach the Gospel. The centre will also be a consultation centre for people from all religions and a formation house for religious life candidates. Father George Pattery, superior of Jesuits’ Calcutta province in neighbouring India, hoped it will also enhance vocation among local Catholic youths.