The diocese of Sylhet was established only in 2011. It is situated in the northeast of Bangladesh. The 20,000 or so Catholics living there are no more than a tiny minority within a total population of some 14 million across the territory of the diocese. Most of the Catholic faithful belong to the ethnic minorities and are extremely poor, pushed to the margins of society.
Such is also the case in Ischachora Punjee, a village within the parish of Lokhipur. It is around 9 miles (14 km) from the parish center and 16 of the 36 families living in the village are Catholics.
Previously, the Catholics had a modest chapel, which also doubled as the only space for providing instruction to the children and for other Church activities. But in 2019 this chapel was destroyed in the violent riots at that time. Since then the Catholic faithful were left with nowhere to celebrate Holy Mass, to pray together, for religious instruction or for catechetical and other pastoral activities. The nearest village is far away and the people have to walk there, since there are no proper roads and no public transport. As a result, on various occasions the liturgy had to be celebrated in private homes.
Thanks to your generous support of 20,800 Euros, they have finally been able to build a new chapel, which is protected by a wall. It was formally consecrated by Bishop Shorot Francis Gomes, with the enthusiastic support of the entire Catholic community. Large numbers of priests, religious sisters, catechists and a great throng of the ordinary Catholic faithful, including many from the other villages, came here to join in the celebrations.
The building work was far from easy, and there were many challenges. For example, unexpected downpours hampered the transport of building materials along the already dangerous roads. But now the work is done and the faithful are delighted with their new chapel. „The chapel is a sign and symbol of their faith, their hope and their community life“, wrote Father Pater Soroj Leonard Costa to ACN. „On behalf the Bishop, the whole diocese and the local parish of Ischachora Punjee, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to you!“ Now we are passing on these thanks to all of you!