Jesuits Open Another School in Bangladesh

Back in 2022, probably on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, I was having tea with Rt. Rev. Gervas Rozario, the Bishop of Rajshahi, along with a few Jesuits at Bhobanipur. During our conversation, the Bishop made a proposal that would soon turn into a meaningful mission. He said, “Fr. Ripon, you have just opened an English-medium school in Kuchilabari, Kaligonj, Gazipur. Why don’t you open another school in my diocese? It could be a branch of the Kuchilabari school. I have a piece of land in Sapahar, Naogaon, which I am ready to donate to the Jesuits.” I thanked the Bishop and requested him to send an official letter to my Father Provincial.

The very next morning, the Bishop sent an official invitation letter to the Jesuit Provincial of Calcutta and kindly shared a copy with me. The Provincial asked me to look into the matter. I consulted the members of the Jesuit Mission, and all responded positively. Soon after, Frs. Joseph Mistri, Probash Rozario, and I visited the proposed site in Sapahar. We were all impressed with the location and agreed to move forward with the project. A detailed report was then sent to the Father Provincial.

Meanwhile, the then Provincial visited Bangladesh and personally inspected the site, accompanied by a few Jesuits. He appreciated the potential of the place and constituted a committee comprising Frs. Probash, Francis, and Rohit to conduct a feasibility study. The findings were discussed during the Mission meeting, and we collectively felt confident about beginning the new mission. The draft agreement was subsequently sent to Fr. Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who granted permission to proceed. Following this approval, the agreement was formally signed with the Bishop of Rajshahi.

During this period, there was a change in leadership, and Fr. James Arjen Tete was appointed the Provincial of the Calcutta Province. Recognizing the needs of the region and the importance of Jesuit educational presence, he wholeheartedly encouraged us to continue with the project.

To begin construction, we approached various benefactors for financial assistance. The Jesuit Mission in Nuremberg generously came forward to support the construction of the school building. Fr. Joseph Mistri was entrusted with overseeing the construction work, which progressed steadily.

Finally, on January 11, 2026, the school officially opened its doors with two classes—Nursery and KG One. A total of 82 students were admitted in the very first year, marking a hopeful beginning for this new educational endeavor in Sapahar, Naogaon.

Inspired by Ignatian spirituality and the rich Jesuit heritage, the Jesuits of the Bangladesh Mission have undertaken this noble initiative to educate young minds and hearts for the service of the nation. True to the Jesuit vision, we aspire to form our students as men and women for others, committed to faith, justice, and the common good.

My life stopped on September 23, 2022

 In 2022...When my life stopped!

As I get ready to say good bye to 2022, there are many memories popping up in my mind. 2022 was a memorable year for me. Many things happened, many things took place! I embraced many surprises- most of them were unexpected! But my life stopped for a while on September 23. I would have never imagined to accept such a tragedy. On that day, my dear niece, only daughter of my brother, named Diya passed away. It was so sudden. Diya was the centre of our family. She was the centre of joy, centre of consolation, centre of our dreams in our family. My life just stopped for a while...

In 2023...When I begin to dream again!

As I get ready to welcome 2023, my mind is full of dreams. I dream of a new beginning of everything. I surrender everything to the Dreamer of my life!

Christmas greetings!

Let’s do what God did for Xmas: become human!

One of the beautiful messages that I have received this Christmas is- Let’s do what God did for Xmas: become human! Yes, Christmas is the time when we can become human.

But the question is- are we not human? Yes, we are human but many of us are far away from the humanity. We need to bring more ‘humanity’ in our humanness.

Let’s become human...How do we become human? We can follow the example of Christ – by caring for each other, by loving each other and by sharing our life with others.

Let this Christmas take us toward ‘humanity’ while making us human.

Wish you a blessed Christmas!

 

 

My “last” formal formation as a Jesuit!

No 10: My ‘TEN’ Take away from the Tertianship!

On the last day of our Tertianship programme, our director Fr Baylon said, “The initial formation as a Jesuit is over for you. Here begins the ‘ongoing formation’ which lasts till the last breath of your life.” These words resonated for quite sometimes. The marathon journey of my formation that I began in 2000 has finally came to an end in 2021(except six years of active ministries in between). As I leave Kandy Tertianship, I carry with me certain thoughts or sentences which added ‘meaning’ during Tertianship. My ‘Ten Take away’ are:

·       1.  Its Ok- There are times when we cannot execute our plans, when problems seem to be all around us, when our dear ones leave us, when people misunderstand us, when we face with challenges, we fail...just learn to say, “its ok”.

·        2. Gratitude is an attitude- we have received many things before asking. Be grateful for all the blessings...and make gratitude an attitude. 

·        3. Love does not get tired- ‘Love’ can bring about any change in life. Love is the ultimate source of everything. Let our life be the manifestation of love.

·         4.Don’t react to the other’s opinions- when we react to other’s opinion, we are indirectly approving the opinions. Everyone has right to give opinion.

·        5. Our own spirituality- we are all spiritual beings. Spirituality connects us with the Creator, with others and with ourselves.   

·         6.Be a founder- don’t be a follower only. Be a founder in whatever way we can.

·        7. Humility is the outcome of the encounter between Divinity and Humanity.

·         8.Union through loving service, Service out of Union.

·         9.We are forgiven sinner.

·        10. We are special, we are loved.

 

Tips for Happiness

No.10: Being Spiritual

Life story: Let me get back to Sr Manu. I have had many good memories of her as we had studied together in the same university for the four years. Once during exams (thanks God, I don’t to have to burn my midnight oil anymore!), she was going to visit a sick person. Curiously I asked her, “what motivates you to visit a sick person during exams?” She replied with her usual smile, “I have always a soft corner for the sick person. They are most vulnerable people. They need our presence.” “You have a strong spirituality!” I replied promptly, without any prior thinking.

Spirituality is often wrongly interchanged with religiosity. A person is considered spiritual when she or he faithfully performs all religious rituals and practices. This would include regular prayers, visiting Holy places, wearing sacred symbols etc. Some even believe that spirituality is meant only for religious leaders (religious men and women). The modern thinkers confirm that all human beings are spiritual beings too. Even an atheist can be a spiritual being.

Every single acts of one individual reveals his or her spirituality. Spirituality derives out of one’s own involvement with own self, with others and with the Creator. Thus, leading a just and authentic life is part of spirituality. The interactions and dealings with others also reveal one’s spirituality. Spirituality can be expressed with kind words, a gentle touch and even with a smile. Thus, it is important to have our own spirituality to have a happy life.

So, let’s make a decision to have our own spirituality.  It will make a huge difference in life...

 

Tips for Happiness

No. 9: Enjoying the silence

Life story: Years back, when I was in Europe, I had gone for vacations along with two of my friends. On the first day, we sat together to plan out the itinerary of the trip. We had a long list of ‘what to do’ and ‘what to see’. We were fully immersed in our discussion, when one of us philosophically said, “I suggest that we have some quiet moments every day. I want to enjoy the silence.” Though we were a bit surprised, but we accepted the proposal. Every day we kept aside ‘free time’. It was meant to spend time with oneself. On the last day, we acknowledged that it was a wise decision that we have had some quiet times. During those quiet moments, we felt close to ourselves, close to God and in the process we felt close to each other.

We are busy people in a busy world. From dawn to dusk, we keep ourselves busy with ‘doing’. Sometimes 24 hours is not sufficient. Many of us prepare the list of ‘task to complete’ before going to bed for the next day. It has also become a ritual for many to begin the day by browsing through internet and conclude the day by doing the same.  

In the lives of many great personalities we find ‘silence’ has a special place. They stated that they had found ‘inspiration and consolations’ during quiet moments. St Ignatius of Loyola invites his followers to spend some quiet time every day. The silence rejuvenates us, gives us energy and refreshes us. It helps us to lead a happy life.

So, let’s make a decision to enjoy the silence everyday.  It will make a huge difference in life...

 

Tips for Happiness

No.8: Remembering the graceful moments of life

Life story: I used to visit her every Sunday as part of my pastoral activities. She was in her eighties, a retired teacher.  She lived alone and did all her chores by herself. Her children occasionally came to visit her. I would always find a serenity on her face and gracefulness in her approach. She never complained about anything. One day, I took little courage and asked her, “what makes you so happy all the times?” She smiled and gently said, “I am blessed. I have been blessed with so many beautiful things in life. I ponder over those moments and thank the Almighty. I have nothing to regret.”

Life is a chain of events. Some events bring joy whereas some other events bring sadness. It is the combination both - achievements and failures. It is our human tendency that we remember the sorrowful events quite easily. We don’t easily remember the people who have done great things for us. Rather, with hatred we remember the people who have hurt us or caused pain for us. We hardly count the blessings that we have received.

Many positive psychologists would suggest to recall the blessings of life, whenever we are sad. Reflecting over the grace-filled moments can rejuvenate our lives. It will boast our self-image, especially if we are going through the difficult times. In other word, it will make our life happy.

So, let’s make a decision to recall the graceful moments of life.  It will make a huge difference in life...