On December 30, 2024, Deacon Sojeeb Silvanus Gomes, CSC member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, Bangladesh, from Maria Virgo Potens Church, Borni, under the Diocese of Rajshahi, offered himself through the priestly ordination to serve in the Lord’s vineyard. Most Reverend Bishop Gervas Rozario, D.D. Bishop of Rajshahi Catholic Diocese, ordained him as a priest in the catholic church at the premises of the Shaktimoti Kumari Maria Catholic Church, Borni, along with one diocesan Deacon Shekhar Francis Costa. Rev. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, CSC, the Provincial of Sacred Heart of Jesus Province was present along with 15 Holy Cross priests, 60 diocesan and other religious congregation priests. Besides them a Deacon from the Congregation of Salesian Don Bosco, and many religious brothers and sisters from different congregations were present. About 900 faithful were present in the priestly celebration. The sacred and significant priestly ordination of Deacon Sojeeb Silvanus Gomes, CSC marked the formal entry of an individual into the clergy, granting him the authority to perform sacraments and fulfill pastoral duties. The Deacon publicly professed his faith and commitment to serving the Church. During the Holy Eucharist, he promised obedience to the Superior and the Bishop and fidelity to the teachings of the Church. After the Holy Eucharist, there was a welcoming ceremony arranged by the Parishioners and the family members. The reception program was indeed a joyful celebration with family, friends, and the community followed by the afternoon meal.
On the following day, 31December 2024, there was the thanksgiving mass celebrated by the newly ordained priests Fr. Sojeeb Silvanus Gomes, CSC, and Fr. Shekhor Francis Costa, who was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist. Throughout the ceremony, there were prayers for the newly ordained priests, asking for God’s guidance and blessings upon their ministry. Fr. Dilip S. Costa, Parish Priest of Bonpara Catholic Church, shared his thoughtful homily during the holy mass. He said that the Priesthood is God’s gift to us. It is not the human work which can be achieved only by human hardships. After the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest of Borni Parish, Fr. Anthony Hasdak, expressed his sincere thanks for the fruitful ceremony. In the Evening there was a concert arranged by the family of the newly ordained priest. We cordially thank and congratulate the family members of Fr. Sojeeb S. Gomes, CSC for offering their youngest son for the service in Bangladesh Church. We congratulate the newly ordained priest and pray for his meaningful ministry. Our heart is filled with gratitude for getting him in the Sacred Heart Jesus Province, Bangladesh.
