SW News: Although Catholics comprise a minuscule community in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, the Church in the country has been blessed with plenty of young vocations. Recently, 15 young men took their first vows in the Brothers of the Holy Cross congregation. Among the 15, six have decided to become religious brothers while the other nine will pursue their studies for priesthood.

In an interview with Catholic news agency Fides, Br. Immanuel Raphael Gomes said, "When I entered the formation house to be a religious, I felt I had arrived in the right place at the right time. Here I can be a witness of Jesus Christ as a brother by putting my talents at the service. In this consecrated life, I discover full happiness."

Interestingly, he discovered his vocation from his long association with the congregation since childhood. His dad was a cook at the house of the Brothers of the Holy Cross. He studied in a school run by the congregation. “Their holy life, their style of teaching attracted me a lot. My parents and siblings also encouraged me. This is how I will spend the rest of my life: serving to preach the Good News of God," said the 22-year-old. He hails from the parish of Diang of the Archdiocese of Chattogram and is the first religious brother in his parish. He is looking forward to serving at one of the two rehabilitation centers run by the congregation.

Among the 15 is Abraham Dopho, belonging to the Garo tribe from the parish of Pirgacha in the diocese of Mymensingh. "When I was a student, I met some Brothers of the Holy Cross. I noticed their pastoral work, their good and kind work, the holy lifestyle, the style of teaching that attracted me. Today, as a brother, I can work for Jesus Christ," he said.

According to Br. Tapon Lawrence Serao, director of Formation of the Brothers of the Holy Cross, the church is experiencing a springtime in vocations. He said there are almost 66 aspirants in different formation houses. Five young men have already joined the congregation this year.

As many as 100 brothers are serving in the Brothers of the Holy Cross congregation, which also runs a Catholic university. "We are working in the field of education, in drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers, on a pastoral level we are present in parishes and in various Episcopal Commissions. With our lifestyle and Christian values we preach and bear witness to God's message in this country, which is 90% Muslim", said Br. Tapon.

Notre Dame College in Dhaka, which was established in 1949, is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Its academic excellence prompted the government and the Church in Bangladesh to request it to be upgraded as a university. The university held its first lectures on December 7, 2014.