Dhaka welcomes the new auxiliary bishop: A family dedicated to God

The Pope appointed Msgr. Francis Gomes Shorot Auxiliary of the archdiocese: his family are all consecrated to the Lord. The crucial example of his parents: "They always attended Mass and prayed the rosary, living a godly life that inspired us all."

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - A life and a family "entirely devoted to the Lord and to the work of the Church", this is how Bishop Francis Gomes Shorot describes his home. He was appointed by Pope Francis Auxiliary Bishop of Dhaka. Although Catholics are a tiny minority in the overwhelmingly Muslim Bangladesh, the example and the faith of the new prelate’s parents inspired their children: they are all consecrated.

His appointment has "filled the faithful of the capital with joy": up to now, Fr. Gomes (51 years old) served as vicar general of the diocese of Sylhet but it is very well known among Dhaka Catholics. Born in Hasnabad parish, in the archdiocese, he comes from a well-known family: His parents are very pious, they attend church every morning for Mass and recite the rosary every night.

Witnessing first hand the work of the Church and the life of the priests - said Msgr. Shorot - "drew me close to the priesthood. My parents encouraged me to make this choice, and I must say that we siblings are all very happy. Thanks to the endless support of my mother and father, we are all religious and we live this decision with great joy". The new prelate’s two sisters are nuns.

Prayer, the prelate says, "is the key that gives strength and generates an energy that can solve every problem. Ahead of anything, I entrust myself totally to the Lord. And He always helps me. " His example, and that of his family, are an inspiration to the young Catholics in the area: "I would love to be a priest like Msgr. Shorot” says a university student.

• Bangladesh
• Catholic Church
• auxiliary bishop Dhaka