averian Fr. Polash Gomes was ordained priest on Dec. 29 2005. He is the first Xaverian priest from Bangladesh.
A gift during the Xaverian year
Fr. Silvano Garello, from Bangladesh, recalls his ordination attended by many friends who accompanied Fr. Gomes during his formation years. "There were two bishops, Msgr. Bijoe of the diocese of Khulna, where the Xaverians have worked since the early 1950's, and the Bishop of Dhaka Msgr. Theutonius. About 20 Xaverian priests concelebrated, as well as other local priests. It was a moving moment, especially when his mother put the wreath of flowers around his neck, and brought her son to the altar of the Lord as a sign of offering. The parish of Golla, the place where Fr. Polash grew up and nurtured his vocation, is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. What a beautiful coincidence, during this Xaverian year, when we celebrate the 500th of his birth!"
Fr. Arduino Rossi, present at the celebration, who has served in Bangladesh for a long time, both as brother and as priest, adds his thoughts: "The seed scattered, now or later, will produce its fruit. Notwithstanding the difficulties, the Xaverians continue to live the charism of Blessed Conforti and share it with the Universal Church, knowing full well, recalling the words of Conforti, 'that the mission is a task superior of human strengths, which can only be the work of God!'"
A young and mature church
Fr. Enzo Valoti is the Superior of the Xaverians in Bangladesh, and reflects on this event: "Many years ago, the Xaverians started to accept and train young Bengali students who wished to become missionaries. Today we witness a concrete fruit of the work. The Spirit hovers everywhere, and urges people to respond to the call of God, so that they place themselves at the service of his Reign. To follow Christ for the mission to the nations is a sign of the universal character of Christianity.
Fr. Polash is one of the first missionaries of the church of Bangladesh. If being sent to mission is one of the signs of the growth of the church, we cannot but conclude that this is a live church, which walks faithfully on the steps of the Lord. An adult church depends on its ability to see beyond its walls, and reach out to the people of every nation. The Xaverian congregation and the Church have in Fr. Polash one more missionary at the service of the world, who is in dire need of the Gospel."
(From Xaverian News - Missionari Saveriani)