Amid security concerns, Vatican sister meets Bangladesh religious – Catholic World Report

EWTN News, Dec 23, 2025 / 10:52 am

Sister Tiziana Merletti, SFP, secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, visited Bangladesh Dec. 16–21, meeting with religious men and women across the country during a five-day program on consecrated life.

Merletti told CNA she was impressed by the vitality of Bangladesh’s small Catholic community but also heard concerns about the security situation, including reports of three recent explosions near Catholic facilities.

“We feel a sense of concern in the air for the future of society,” she said, adding that upcoming national elections will be important for the Church’s ability to continue its work freely and peacefully.

The program was organized by the apostolic nunciature, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Conference of Religious (BCR). The Vatican delegation, led by Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, took part in cultural events, talks, and visits to religious houses in Dhaka. A highlight of the visit was the Jubilee of Hope celebration at Holy Cross College, which focused on the mission and unity of consecrated life.

Small Catholic minority, wide reach

Bangladesh’s Catholic population makes up about 0.03% of the country’s total population, but Merletti said she was struck by the strong sense of communion among religious.

“We see how religious men and women mingle together, support each other,” she said, describing this cooperation as a concrete expression of synodality.

The Church in Bangladesh operates schools, hospitals, and social programs that serve people of all religions. Father Apu Rozario, secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Clergy and Religious, said Catholic institutions are active in education, health care, addiction treatment, prison outreach, and interreligious dialogue.

“We were very inspired by her visit,” he said.

Father George Kamal Rozario, CSC, president of the Bangladesh Conference of Religious and provincial superior of the Holy Cross Fathers, said representatives of 37 of the country’s 38 religious congregations met with Merletti during the week.

“They understood how important their role is in the Catholic Church and were inspired to walk a new path,” he said.

Religious leaders encouraged

Sister Mary Shubhra, SMRA, superior general of the Associates of Mary Queen of the Apostles, said the Vatican official’s presence brought renewed focus to formation and mission.

“Her arrival has awakened us,” she said. “She appreciated our ministries and guided us on improving formation in our houses.”

Her congregation, which has 211 sisters, works in health care, education, and women’s empowerment.

Sister Pierina of the Catechist Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Angels, said the time spent with Merletti was particularly meaningful.

“She gave us time, listened to us, and inspired us to maintain good relations with all congregations,” she said.

Future mission despite challenges

Despite the security concerns, Merletti said she was encouraged by the local Church’s long-term planning, including projects for Catholic schools and universities — especially for women — and continued care for vulnerable people.

What most inspired her during the visit, she said, was “the vision for future mission.”

“I can see everywhere good hearts, open minds, faith, and courage to make sure every day a chance is offered to grow and to become good citizens,” she said.

She also reflected on challenges facing consecrated life worldwide, including increasing polarization in society.

“We see this urge to be different, to be higher, richer, more powerful. The others are not brothers and sisters but enemies,” she said. “Consecrated life plays a big role in shaping real humanity because we believe in communion and see the face of God in the most vulnerable.”

Walking together

Merletti emphasized the importance of synodality and encouraged religious in Bangladesh to maintain close cooperation among congregations and with the wider Church, describing this as “walking together, knowing each other, sharing gifts, appreciating and supporting each other.”

“If we remain faithful to this call of Jesus, I think we will be the yeast for a better future,” she said.

Before departing, she assured religious communities of the dicastery’s continued interest in their situation.

“We don’t do miracles, but we can assure our advice and prayers. We leave Bangladesh with hearts filled with joy and appreciation,” she said.