Holy Spirit Major Seminary, Banani

Diaconate Ordination Ceremony 

On 22 March 2026, in a solemn and joyful atmosphere at Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, Dhaka, nine seminarians were ordained to the Diaconate. In Christian life, the ministry of the Deacon is an important vocation of service; therefore, this ordination ceremony held special significance for the seminary community, the clergy, and the entire faithful of Bangladesh Church. The principal celebrant of the Holy Eucharist was His Grace Archbishop Lawrance Subroto Howlader, CSC. Around thirty priests, sisters from various religious congregations, the parents and relatives of the newly ordained deacons, and numerous faithful were present at the celebration. The entire seminary campus was filled with an atmosphere of prayer, joy, and thanksgiving. In his homily, the Archbishop addressed the newly ordained deacons, saying, “Today you are about to receive a new identity and a new responsibility. This identity is not merely one of honor, but a call to self-giving, humility, and service.” He emphasized three principal responsibilities of a deacon: 1. Servants of the Word, The first calling of a deacon is to listen attentively to the Word of God and proclaim it to the people. The Archbishop stated that it is not enough merely to preach the Word; it must also be lived out in one’s own life. 2. Servants of the Community, the Archbishop reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ established the example of humble service during the Last Supper. Likewise, deacons are called to stand beside people in the same spirit, especially by serving the poor, the helpless, and those on the margins of society. 3. Assistance in Priestly Ministry, he further explained that deacons, as collaborators of bishops and priests, will play an important role in the sacramental and pastoral ministries of the Church. Their lives should become shining witnesses of fidelity, obedience, and self-sacrifice. At the conclusion of his homily, the Archbishop encouraged the newly ordained deacons to carry out their ministry with dedication, holiness, and responsibility, and to spread the love of Christ among all people.

At the end of the ceremony,  Rev Fr. Paul Gomez (Bishop Elect) delivered his thanksgiving speech. He expressed gratitude to all the guests, priests, sisters, parents, and well-wishers present. His remarks formally concluded the celebration. It is noteworthy that on the evening of 21 March, the day before the ordination, a special prayer service, Eucharistic adoration, and blessing ceremony were organized for the candidates. Special prayers and blessings were offered for their future ministry and service in the Church. The newly ordained deacons are: Albert Tudu (Dinajpur), Anjan Francis Sikdar (Barishal), Maximilian Salman Raban (Sylhet), Sadhumoni Francis Tripura (Chattgram), Khokon Francis Nayek( Sylhet), Shimon Gaddi (Sylhet), Thomas Rony Gomez (Barishal), Mithun Samuel Gomez (Rajshahi), and Hriday Michael Purification (Rajshahi).