08/07/2017, 19.08
BANGLADESH
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Fr Regan, PIME’s newest priest, from Bangladesh to Guinea Bissau

by Sumon Corraya

He is the only son of the family. His father died a few years ago. His sister is already nun. His mother encouraged him to follow his vocation. The example of PIME’s Italian missionaries in Bangladesh will help him become a true missionary. Fr Regan John Gomes, from Tumilia parish in Gazipur, is the fifth PIME missionary from Bangladesh.

Gazipur (AsiaNews) – PIME Deacon Regan John Gomes was ordained last Friday at St John the Baptist Church in Tumilia parish, Gazipur, by Mgr Shorot Francis Gomes, auxiliary bishop of Dhaka.

PIME’s newest priest told AsiaNews that he drew inspiration from the example of Italian PIME missionaries working with Bangladeshi youth.

"I spent two years at a hostel run by PIME fathers,” he said. “At the time, I saw and met many Italian PIME clergymen like Fr Paolo Ballan, Fr Franco Cagnasso, Fr Livio Prete, and Fr Arturo Spezile. I observed their life and I thought: If I could be a priest like them!”

After he completed his studies, becoming a chartered accountant, he realised that for him the best path was that of the seminary.

"I know that becoming a missionary I will not be able to stay in my native land,’ he said. “I would like to go to a country where there are not many Christians. I will love to work for the Kingdom of God. I have chosen this life. "

He will leave Bangladesh for Guinea-Bissau, a tropical country on the west coast of Africa, known for its national parks and wildlife.

The eldest sibling and the only son, Fr Regan will leave his family behind. Although his father passed away a few years ago, he still has his mother, a sister who is a nun, and other sisters who are still in school. "My mother always encouraged me even though I am the only son,” he said.

At home, the rosary is recited every evening, and he asked that others pray for him so that he may preach God’s word.

PIME has 18 missionary fathers in Bangladesh, mostly Italians. Father Regan is the fifth PIME missionary native to Bangladesh, the first one from the parish of Tumilia.

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