As soon as I began my new mission in Bangladesh, I was
asked (rather assigned) to conduct three days seminar on faith based on ‘LUMEN
FIDEI’ to a group of nun who were preparing for the final vows. I had no other
option than to say -‘Yes’ I do it. I must admit that one of boring courses I had
during theological studies in Rome was on ‘faith, hope and love.’ I took up the
challenge and began to prepare myself for the seminar.
In the evening of the second day of my session, I accompanied
sisters to a shrine. As we were walking quietly I thought of the feast of St
Ignatius which was round the corner. I remembered all the big and grand
celebrations I have had for the last few years. But this year I am in a
complete new situation. Though I was born here but things have changed
radically over the years. Already a few times I said to myself that I need to
become a Bangladeshi. Many good and sweet memories were pouring in my mind.
At one point I saw some people were crying in a
house. As it was a Muslim family I did not dare to enter and ask what had
happened. As I continued to walk, I heard a voice from the other side of the
road was saying, “Father, please pray
for my daughter who died this morning.” I went close to him and asked what had
happened. He said that she was sick for sometimes and they could not provide
her any treatment due to lack of money. Then he said something very precious.
He said, “I know you are a Christian priest. But our God is the same. We can
pray to him either from the Church or from the Mosque or from the Hindu Temple.
God is present everywhere.”
I was stunned. This man has just lost his daughter
and could easily blame God for the misfortune. But he placed all his trust in
God and accepted everything as God’s will.
Perhaps this is what St Ignatius of Loyola wanted
all along his life- to accept everything as God’s will and find Him in
everything! Does it give any message to you and me on the feast day of St
Ignatius?
