Christmas...

Once again Christmas is at our door. Every year during this time of the year I am reminded of an incident which I had experienced many years ago. On Christmas day I went to a village to visit a family with another friend. It was a sunny bright day. The journey wasn’t so pleasant. The muddy village road was good enough to make us half-dead. But, as always, I was happy to visit a village.

Advent Reflection

Advent Reflection:  Mother Mary is our MODEL


We have entered into, yet another, advent season. This time of the year we prepare ourselves to enter into a relationship with Jesus. Jesus, the second person of the Trinity and beloved Son of the Almighty Father is coming to dwell into our life. He takes the human form so that He could become one of us. He reveals the God’s love to us. He invites us to have a relationship with him as He says, ‘come to me and I will give you rest’ (Mt 11:28).

 How do we respond to His invitation?


Reflection: St Ignatius of Loyola, in ‘the spiritual exercises’ writes that the most important qualities in the person who enters into these exercises are openness, generosity and courage (No 5). These qualities are equally important for all those who want to enter into relationship with others. We can welcome JESUS with openness, generosity and courage. In our effort to welcome Jesus, Mother Mary could be our model. Mother Mary was open to respond God’s plan into her life, generously accepted it and courageously faced all the consequences. Are we ready to follow the footprints of Mother Mary?

Prayer: We pray  for the gift of openess, generosity and courage.

After TEN years

So ten years have passed bye! It was on this day in 2000 I began my month long spiritual exercise of St Ignatius or 30 days retreat! Time goes very fast! It seems the other day, we all gathered together in a room, our Novice Master gave points and explained every bits of it. We were thirteen of us altogether. We listened to him very carefully. We did not know what would happen! ‘Let the spirit enter in your life’, ‘let Jesus guide you’, listen to your inner spirit’ – these are few phrases he constantly repeated.

My life, My thoughts

Oh language!
I was studying Greek! I found it extremely difficult. Somehow could not concentrate on what I was studying. Then at one point I gave up. There is no point simply wasting my time. Perhaps some other time I will be able to concentrate and study better.

My life, my thoughts

A new chapter begins...


Finally the moment has arrived. I have just another few hours before I commence my theological studies. Shortly I’ll go to bed. But when I get up tomorrow, I will have to do things differently. The usual time-table will be replaced by a new time-table. I’ll have to begin ‘student life.’ I’ll have to spend hours after hours sitting at my desk, glancing through books, making notes, writing assignments, preparing for exams…oh whole lots of stuff!

Che cosa pensi?

L'altro giorno ho incontrato Babul, un ragazzo del Bangladesh. Questo incontro non era previsto. Mentre stavo facendo una passegiata dopo cena, lui si é avvicenato a me e mi ha chiesto se volevo comprare un fiore. Quando gli ho resposto che non volevo comprare, il suo viso é diventato triste. Ho potuto vedere che lui ha cominciato quasi a piangere. Ho voluto combiare il soggetto cosi gli ho detto, 'tu sei molto fortunato a vivere a Roma. Devi guadagnare molti soldi.'
Immediatemente lui mi ha detto che oggi aveva venduto solo un fiore, cosi che lui aveva solo un euro un tasca. Poi lui me ha raccontato la sua storia che é una storia triste. Magari scriveró un altro giorno...

Che cosa pensi?

Posso contare le ore che sono rimaste prima di cominciare la teologia. Sembra che il tempo sia arrivato un po’ presto. Quando sono entrato nella compagnia di Gesù, ho pensato che la tappa della teologia era molto lontana. Purtroppo il tempo è passato rapidamente. Ci sono volute dieci anni per arrivare a questa tappa.

my life, my thoughts...

‘Silence’ I love you most


I am just back from my annual retreat. It was a marvelous one. The location was very fitting for retreat…top of the mountain, far away from the noise of the city life. Living in the centre of Rome for the last three months, I was missing trees, flowers, birds…NATURE. This retreat gave me an opportunity to be in the midst of all.

che cosa pensi?

Mente sana in corpo sano


One of the first proverbs I learnt in Italian is ‘mente sana in corpo sano’, which in English translation would be ‘sound mind sound body’ and in my mother tongue would be ‘মন ভালতো সব ভালো’. I find this proverb very much in tune with my life. Often I have experienced that whenever I was ‘low or down’ it affected my other activities. Like the other day I was a bit tensed with regard to my admission. Though I knew that I was not to be blamed for anything but still I was down. I could not concentrate on my studies. It affected the different areas of my life. My friends who relate to me closely noticed it immediately. Though I pretended to be normal with them, but they felt that there was something wrong with me.

Life in Italy

Just two months over, since I started to learn Italian. I had language course for two months. Now waiting to begin my theological studies in Italian. Bah...two months course and study in Italian!!! Sounds a bit crazy! Here is my first write-up in Italian. Lots of mistake...here I go!

Che cosa pensi?

One of the first sentences in Italian I learnt is, che cosa pensi? If I translate it in English it would mean, what do you think? I love it! It gives me a lot of meaning. Often i reflect over the small incidents, little encounters I have had with people. Every incident leaves some marks? Gives me meaning, pause for thought.

These days, whenever my friends want to buy something they call me. why? Am I expert? No...its becuase most of the shopowners, of course in footpath are from Bangladesh. When I want to buy anything they give me in less price? Why? I know the answer...but what do you think? Che cosa pensi?

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 9: They show us the path!

Sometimes I wonder! I think! I reflect!


I wonder…Why did Bishop Linus Gomes SJ, after his retirement from the diocese volunteer to work in Bangladesh along with other Jesuits? What inspires him to make himself available for the service of the Church, when he could have easily spent his days in a retirement house in Calcutta or elsewhere in India?

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 8: He changed the world!


Only the other day I happened to meet an Indian Priest in the room of St Ignatius, at Geus, Rome. Pointing out the height of St Ignatius, he said ‘this was man who changed the world.’

Each time I visit the room of St Ignatius, I discover something new – may be just a simple thought! I wonder…I reflect…and he becomes more real to me…

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 7: I’m a sinner!


“God who loves us creates us and wants to share life with us forever. Our love response takes shape in our praise and honor and service of the God of our life.”(Taken from ‘draw me into your friendship’)…

One of the things which I was/am able to accept in the light of Ignatian spirituality is my ‘sins’. I know God loves me and he wants to share his love with me even though I am a sinner. This motivates me to go ahead. All I know is that, ‘I came from God, I am belong to God and I am destined for God.’

‘I’m a sinner yet called to be the companion of Jesus…’

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 6: God has His own plan!


I do believe that one of the main reasons to join the Jesuits was to become a missionary. But after joining the Jesuits I came to know that I have to be ‘missionary in my own country’. Even I will not be able to work in my province Calcutta (India) due to visa problem. I accepted it as God’s plan.

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 5: Wanted to find, and found HIM


The other day I found the following sentences in my diary, which were taken from the Autobiography of St Ignatius: ‘’He made a solemn avowal…that his devotion, that is, his ease in finding God, was always increasing, now more than ever in his entire life. At whatever time or hour he wanted to find God, he found him.’’

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 4: MAGIS


‘When will you finish your formation? When will be ordained a priest?’ These are the few questions I kept on hearing from my near and dear ones, who wish to see me a priest as soon as possible. Each time I face with such type of questions, I just give a smile. I do not blame them for such type of questions as some of my companions who studied with me, have already received ordination to priesthood in different Orders. But personally ‘do I regret for such a long formation?’ My simple answer is NO. Rather I enjoy, because it gives me more time to reflect over life and prepare myself better.

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 3: Finding God in all things

I read about St Ignatius, I listened to many people about St Ignatius, then, what did I do? Have I stopped with it? This is a very timely question to reflect over. I consider that some of the experiments I did during novitiate were in a way to experience Ignatian spirit.

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 2: St Ignatius: beginning of my relationship!


It did not take much time to find out what would be the novitiate life like. In a very simple term, ‘it was sort of intense life- withdrawing oneself almost from the rest of the world and fully immerse in spirituality, meditation, prayer, personality growth, community building and so on’. I would rather avoid narrating my novitiate life at this stage!

Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 1: St Ignatius and my life

(St Ignatius of Loyola was not a familiar name before I joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). But ever since I joined the Jesuits, he has become my ‘FATHER’. The more I read about him or listen to someone about him, he becomes more real to me. I am fascinated by his spirituality, philosophy and idealism of life. I have encountered a number of Jesuits, who have lived out or are living out the life of St Ignatius. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of St Ignatius I thought of penning my personal thoughts on St Ignatius. This is not a scholarly writing or research paper rather it should be treated as my personal reflection.)

Another new language!

I have just begun learning another new language. Two weeks have passed since I arrived in Rome. One week has passed since I began learning Italian. Italian is being spoken all around me. Hardly anyone in my community speaks English. I do find it difficult for not being able to express myself. But this forces me to speak Italian. In other word, I have to speak Italian to survive.


I must admit that so far I found the language quite easy. I am also trying my level best. Practically whole day I am immersed in the world of Italian. My dream is that within one month i should be able to express myself in Italian. I dream to write an article in Italian and post on my blog...is it too much! Too ambitious! But I have to do...I have a long way to go before i sleep..............................ciao.....

Life in Rome

Life beginning in Rome


Finally I am in Rome! Things happened so quickly. There are many surprises in my life. Sometimes I wonder – am I worthy of all these surprises! But things come along the way…

Do they love the country?

Years back, probably 10 -12 years back I was doing college studies in Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh. Those were really crazy days, full of fun! My days would begin by reading daily newspapers. Among many things, I used to look forward to reading any news of hartal, strike. This would bring a lot of joy for many of us in the hostel. We would always love to see hartal being called on our quiz days.

Finally i found it...

Its Sunday...I got up quiet late. Had quick breakfast. Checked my mails, read my country’s newspaper. Tried to read something but could not concentrate. Feeling a bit uneasy. Did not feel like going out as evening I would be going out with a friend. I was wondering what should I do? Should I watch a film? Should I begin a novel? Should I sleep? A process of discernment started…Nothing appealed to me. Something new I wanted to do. Something, which I have not done for quite long…suddenly it, clicked me. Why not working in the garden, cutting grass. Immediately I left my room, took the lawnmower(this word i learnt from my friend Patrick) and began to work. It was wonderful. Two hours works rejuvenated me. My spirit was uplifted…then what should I do? Why not cooking something…cooked rice and chicken curry…had good lunch. Then I decided to pen something in my blog. I have not written anything for quite long. Then what is the topic…what should I write? Why not pen just what I did this morning…


Life is a real mystery. At one point I thought the day is dull, nothing exciting…but with little bit of creativity and effort, I translated my time. A great lesion learnt…sometimes we are bored with life. If we take little initiative we could easily come out our boredom. Finally at the end of the day it is my life …and it is up to me how do I utilize my time…why not try to do something creative?

Pilgrimage to Spain

Sojourning in my Founder’s land


Ever since I joined the Jesuit Order, I have been repeatedly hearing about Loyola, Manresa, Xavier and Montserrat. These few places got imprinted in my heart as ‘Holy Land’. Deep within my heart a desire kept on growing to visit these Holy places. Fr Donal Neary, a Jesuit (Parish Priest of Gardiner Street Parish) casually asked me if I was willingly to partake in a pilgrimage to Ignatian sites. I grabbed the opportunity without giving a second thought!

March 26...

My country is great!

Once again March 26 is with us! The celebration for Independence and national day is all around us! The national flag is hoisting ...the patriotic songs are being played in most of the common places. The media is broadcasting special programmes on the importance of March 26.

Lent Reflections (5)

Lent: a time for renewal

For the last few days the clerical sexual abuse has been the central theme in most of the discussions/chat I had with other people. I have been listening to people speaking against the Church and defending the Church. It all began with the publication of Dublin Archdiocese’s clerical sexual abuse report last year. Since then, the media has been covering the issue intensely without any pause. Initially I had followed the news reports. Meanwhile I read a book titled, ‘the betrayal of trust’ by Chris Moore. All these readings helped me to see a ‘hidden reality of misuse of power and trust’ of which I was unaware till recently. The topic is so vast that I am afraid to speak of or make any comment.

Lent Reflections (4)

Lent: a time to come out of our little world

Recently I had a chat with the manager of a charitable trust. While talking on fundraising, she said, “We do a lot of fundraising during Lent.” When I asked her what was the reason behind, she said “many people generously donate during Lent. They consider it as a part of their penance and a good practice to be united with the suffering people.” I found it is a noble way to observe Lent.

Life in Ireland

Flipping over my last year’s diary I found the following few paragraphs. Interestingly they were written at the Abudabi airport, while waiting for the connecting flight. As I was thinking to pen my experiences in Ireland, I thought it would be appropriate to reproduce these few paragraphs. These were my genuine feelings, which spontaneously came from the depth of my heart. My days are counted in Ireland. Then I will have to say, ‘once upon a time I was in Ireland…!’ Why not pen something when I am still in Ireland…? The following article is incomplete as I will be adding from time to time…

Lent Reflection (3)

Lent: a time to return to God


Christians in general tend to perform or observe some pious practices during Lent, and these include going for Mass, Stations of the Cross, Confession and praying Rosary. I have no idea of any historical reasons or rationality behind all these pious practices. But all I understand is, that these practices directly or indirectly show our desire to return to God.

The Year of Priests (2)

A priest who loved poverty

( This year, being the year of priests, i plan to pen a few articles on priests or priesthood and here i present my second article. I am extremely happy to write something about someone who has played a significant role in my life. For me he is still alive and continue to inspire me...

Lent Reflection (2)

Lent: a time to let go and let live!


The readings of the second Friday of Lent remind us of our sinful activities and give us guidelines of how to begin a new life. The first reading invitees each one of us to say goodbye to our sinful life and begin a new life. One the other hand, the Gospel is more concrete as it says, reconcile with your brothers and sisters and do not call anyone fool. A close glance of these two readings will us that the first reading is theoretical and the Gospel is practical. We might even just say, one gives theory of what to do and the other gives practical implementation.

Lent reflection (1)

Lent: a time to fall in love with Jesus


The Liturgical season Lent has just begun with Ash Wednesday. The ashes which are placed on our foreheads by the priest remind us that Lent is a season of repentance. Lent also reminds us that Jesus Christ loves us unconditionally. Therefore I would prefer to describe Lent as a joyful season.

Republic Day of India

India in my heart…

January 26: Republic Day of India! I had celebrated the last ten Republic Days without any break in India. Even last year I had a wonderful celebration with our Pre-novices. And this year I am far away from India. But am I really far away from India? I must admit that geographically ‘yes’ but in my heart I still dwell in India.

The Year of Priests

This year being 'Year of Priests' I have decided to write a few articles on Priestly/Religious life. These will not be any scholarly writings, but simply my own personal reflections. Like what is my understanding of Priestly/Religious life? And who are the Priests who have influenced me. There will be a few topics which I plan to cover. Here is the first article.

You gave life to my child

"You gave life to my child"

While studying philosophy, I tried to look different things little critically. I was privileged to visit many places, meet many people and encounter many incidents. Many things left their mark behind. After visiting a Remand Home I wrote this article. This was my first article to be published in Jivan, a Jesuit magazine.

The death of a Christmas story

The Death of a Christmas Story


A sudden laughter broke out in the class-room when Praveen Gomes, asked by his professor to introduce himself, uttered his name for the first time. He was furious but could not express his anguish.
“What a cranky name? Who gave you this name?” many murmured.

Reflection on Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism and Extremism

Over the last few years i have experienced Fundamentalism and Extremism in different forms. In this article I try to reflect on fundamentalism and extremism. It is not a research paper, rather my personal reflection.This article was translated in Irish language and published in an Irish magazine called, 'Timire'.

Reflection on Friendship

All about Friendship…

(Friends are like precious gifts given to us. A true friend can be a companion, guide and philosopher. But unfortunately often  many people say that they do no have any friends. They say they are lonely. In this article I try to explore the art of friendship.)

Reflecting on my Religious life

Backward and forward
I am now 10 years old a Jesuit! Time went very fast! It only seems like the other day that I joined the Jesuits. I have been staying outside my country ever since I joined the Jesuits. So I decided to reflect on my religious life so far...

A Language movement

A Language movement that gave birth to a Nation


'February 21' is known as the International Mother Tongue Day. Why on February 21? What is the special of February 21? This article will give a brief account of February 21 and its role for the creation of a new country called, 'BANGLADESH.'

International Mother Tongue Day

February 21: International Mother Tongue Day

Every year on February 21, Bengalis (mostly in Bangladesh) throng to the Shahid Minar (monument of martyrs) and sing, 'Amar bhai rakete rangano ekushe February ami ke bhuliti pari!' (How can I forget February 21, which is dyed with the blood of my brothers!)?

When time comes!

Poem: When time comes!

Far away I will go, leaving everything,
When time comes, not to return again.

Wishing you friend

Poem: Wishing you friend

I loved you from far distance friend,
Every little accounts of your acts.

The Christmas Promise

The Christmas Promise

Every year on Christmas day Rajen goes to the village Church and stands in front of the Crib for a while. A few years back, it was on this day and very place he made a promise, which altered his life. He still remembers the fateful day.