Newsletter 2022 (Issue 4)

BCSM Newsletter Message of the Pontiff

January to May, 2022

Issue 4

Editorial Committee Pope Francis praised young
people for their efforts to protect
• Arpon Adrian Gomes the environment and told them to
• Victor Joyonto Biswas “be the critical conscience of
• Sourav Saha society.” Francis celebrated
Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica
Editorial recently, filled with hundreds of
young faithful, to mark a church
The world is at stake. Pollution, day focused on youth in dioceses
war, unemployment, loss of worldwide. “You have been
biodiversity, etc. is growing at an entrusted with an exciting but
alarming rate. Youth need to act also challenging task'' the
now, they must promise to bring pontiff said, ”to stand tall while
peace, harmony, and prosperity to everything around us seems to be
the mother earth. They hold the collapsing.“ Social justice and
key to World’s future. Young care for the environment have
people are full of hope and been key messages of his papacy.
through innovation and
imagination, they are problem
solvers and have a great potential
to generate a positive social
change in the world. So, let’s
Change the World!

Table of Contents

Topic Page No.
Leadership Training 01-02
Central Cabinet Meeting 03
International Women’s Day Celebration 04
04
Diocese Visit 05
National Youth Day-2022 05
06
Environment Cleaning 07
Diocesan Conference 08
09
Excursion 09
Youth Seminar 10
Way of theCross 11-12
Art Competition
Miscellaneous
Photo Gallery

Christian Leadership and Capacity
Building Training-2022

The "Christian Leadership and Capacity Building Training-2022" was organized by
Bangladesh Catholic Students’ Movement (BCSM) in collaboration with Caritas
Development Institute (CDI) with a total of 30 members from 6 dioceses. The training
was held from 28th April to 2nd May 2022 at Caritas Development Institute (CDI),
Dhaka, Malibagh. The opening mass of the training was offered by the National
Chaplain of BCSM, Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC. Moreover, the inauguration
ceremony was held afterward with the valuable presence of Mr. Theophil Nokrek,
Director, Caritas Development Institute; Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC and Mr.
Swopnil Louis Cruze, President, BCSM. Several trainers provided training during these
5 days. A session was provided by, Mr. Polok Clement Rozario, CDI on “Leadership
Concept, Definition, and Types of Leadership” whereas another session entitled
“Leadership skills on innovative thinking, motivation, and influence” was delivered by
the coordinator of the training, Mrs. Samiron Orpa Kuzur, CDI. The topics, “Women
Leadership, Communication, and Team Building, Planning and Decision Making” were
discussed by Mrs. Prova Rozario, CDI. A session about “Conflict Resolution” was
provided by Mr. Ferdinand Pereira, CDI. Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze discussed “The
Methodology of BCSM” while former President of BCSM, Mr. Patrick Drishya
Purification delivered a session on “Youth Leadership and its role in the church:
BCSM”.

Page 01

Afterward, Mr. Chayon H. Rebeiro,
Advisor, BCSM EC, provided a
session on, “Advocacy, Lobbying,
and Networking”. Mr. Shoshi
Sylvester Peris, Former Secretary,
BCSM gave a session on, “Identify
the barrier of Youth Leadership and
Overcome Strategy: Micro Plan ”. To
continue the workflow of BCSM
smoothly a round table meeting was
arranged. Former presidents, Mr.
Shishir Rozario, Mr. Anthony Prince
Costa, Mr. Sandy Peris, Mr. Patrick Purification, former secretary Mr. Shoshi
Sylvester Peris, former organizing secretary Mr. Dipon Peter Gomes, former
executive member Mrs. Disha Mary Gomes, former member Joy Rozario, current
president of BCSM and the national chaplain of BCSM was present in the round
table meeting to discuss all the barriers of the members present in the training. Most
Rev. Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, CSC, Chairman, Episcopal
Commission for Youth provided a session on, “For a Synodal Church: Communion,
Participation and Mission” and afterward offered a closing mass. The closing
ceremony was held in the presence of most rev. Archbishop Lawrence Subrata
Howlader, CSC; Mr. Sebastian Rozario, Executive Director, Caritas Bangladesh;
Mrs. Prova Rozario; Fr. Placid Rozario, Chaplain, Sylhet diocesan BCSM; Sr. Reba
Costa, Advisor, BCSM and Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze, President, BCSM. After the
evaluation of the participants and certificate giving ceremony the "Christian
Leadership and Skills Development Training-2022" ended successfully through a
cultural program.

Page 02

Central Cabinet Meeting

The first central cabinet meeting of the new national executive team was held on
7th March, 2022 online using the zoom platform. Through the prayer of Ms.
Pauline Shrabani Baroi, treasurer, BCSM EC, the meeting started. Amidst 8
dioceses, 17 members along with 7 diocesan representatives were present in the
meeting. After an introduction with everyone, Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze,
President, BCSM EC, welcomed everyone with a speech. He conveyed best
wishes to every diocese informing all the members of the central cabinet about
their responsibilities and calling upon everyone to work together. After that, every
diocese represented their diocesan report while the report of the national
executive committee was represented by Mr. Arpon Adrian Gomes, Organizing
Secretary, BCSM EC. The National Chaplain of BCSM, Fr. Bikash James
Rebeiro, CSC appreciated everyone running the activities smoothly all through
the country during the Covid pandemic. Moreover, he suggested everyone work
for the church and society altogether as a team. The yearly activity plan was also
discussed in the meeting. Lastly, Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze requested everyone to
maintain good communication with the diocesan chaplains to come up with new
initiatives and to arrange a diocesan conference and ended the meeting.

Page 03

International Women’s Day
Celebration

Bangladesh Catholic Students
Movement organized an online
gathering on the occasion of
International Women's Day on March
8, 2022. The theme of the gathering
was, “Gender Equality Today for a
Sustainable Tomorrow”. Mr. William
Nokrek, Coordinator, IMCS Asia
Pacific; Ms. Maria Grace Sarker,
Former Treasurer, BCSM; Ms. Jenevi
Stela Rozario, Former Organizing
Secretary, BCSM; Mrs. Disha Mary Gomes, Former EC member, BCSM was
present in the gathering alongside 15 members. The gathering started through prayer
and introduction with everyone. Later on, Mr. William Nokrek, Ms. Maria Grace
Sarker, and Mrs. Disha Mary Gomes spoke about women's empowerment and
development. Ms. Pauline Shrabani Baroi, Treasurer, BCSM, discussed the theme.
This was followed by an open discussion on various issues including women's
leadership. The gathering concluded by expressing gratitude and thanking every
woman.

Diocese Visit

Rajshahi: Concerning the invitation of Rajshahi Diocese, Mr. Swopnil Loius Cruze,
President, BCSM EC; Mr. Joyonto Victor Biswas, General Secretary, BCSM EC,
and Mr. Arpon Adrian Gomes, Organizing Secretary, BCSM EC joined the diocesan
conference in Ave Maria Gulta Parish from 22nd to 26th January 2022. Later in the
conference, on 23rd and 25th January, Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze provided a session
on, “Leadership, Public Speaking and Communications in BCSM” and Mr. Jayanta
Victor Biswas discussed the way to overcome the problems of the unit respectively.

Barishal: Keeping the invitation of the Barishal Youth Commission and BCSM,
Mr.Swopnil Louis Cruze, President, BCSM EC joined the 2nd Barishal Diocesan
Conference. He discussed the methodology of BCSM at the event.

Page 04

National Youth Day 2022

37th National Day was held from 24th to 27th March, 2022 in the Dinajpur diocese
which was organized by the Episcopal Commission for the Youth. BCSM
represented a stall in the event following the theme, “Youths Committed to a
healthy environment”. The stall was inaugurated by rev. Bishop Gervas Rozario;
rev. Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader and rev. Bishop Sebastian Tudu. The
stall was decorated using recycled items that were useless and harmful to the
environment, it also conveyed cautiousness message about the environment.

Environment Cleaning Activity

To keep the church compound and surroundings clean, focusing on the theme, “Let’s
give nature the previous form to enlighten the next generation” members of the
Mothurapur unit cleaned their surroundings and placed dustbins in the church
compound and other places. These activities were conducted by collecting funds from
each member of the unit and each family in the village. The members clean those
dustbins every Sunday and are working regularly to raise awareness among everyone to
protect mother earth.

Page 05

Diocesan Conference

From 22nd to 26th January, 2022 focusing on the theme, “Role of the youth in
building a participatory and harmonious society” Rajshahi diocese and on 21st to
22nd February, 2022 Barishal diocese arranged a diocesan conference with the aim
to enlighten everyone with the light of BCSM. 65 youth from 5 units of Barishal
diocese and 77 youth from 7 units of Rajshahi diocese participated in the mentioned
events. The events were held in Ave Maria Parish, Gulta, Rajshahi, and Holy Sacred
Heart Parish, Barishal. All the participants in Barishal were welcomed through their
own traditional culture and the opening mass was offered by Sacred Heart Parish
priests.

The theme was elaborately discussed in the Rajshahi diocese by rev. Fr. Emmanuel
Kanon Rozario, Vicar General, Rajshahi Diocese; “The importance and the care of
nature through individual efforts”, was discussed by Mr. Sukleash George Costa,
Regional Director, Caritas Rajshahi Region. Mr. Swopnil Louis Cruze, President,
BCSM provided a session on, “Leadership, Public Speaking, and Communications
in BCSM” while BCSM Methodology was discussed by Mr. Jayanta Victor Biswas,
General Secretary, BCSM. Rev. Fr. Anol Terence D’Costa, CSC discussed the
history of Barishal BCSM, its mission, vision, and bylaws. In both of the
conferences, all unit reports were presented and evaluated and therefore future
plans were made. With the consent of all who were present at the conference, Ms.
Marriyen Shimla Gomes (Padrishibpur Parish) and Mr. Anthony Saikot Gain
(Cathedral Parish) were selected as the new diocesan representative of Barishal.
The closing mass in Rajshahi was offered by rev. Bishop Gervas Rozario, D.D.
whereas in Barishal it was offered by the parish priests. Both the conference ended
with interactions with each other, games, fun events, and excursions.

Page 06

Excursions

Focusing on the theme, “Let's rejoice together in the way of Jesus” two units from the
Rajshahi diocese, Borni and Mothurapur went to Greenvalley Park, Lalpur; Bonpara
Seminary, and Uttara Ganabhaban on 19th March,2022 and 1st March, 2022
respectively. During the excursion 106 youths of BCSM and YCS from Mothurapur
parish and 70 youths of BCSM and YCS from Borni parish were present. Fr. Swapan
Purification, Parish Priest, Mothurapur Mission; Fr. Proshanto Aind, Chaplain, Barishal
BCSM and Sr. Mary Eshita SMRA also joined them in the excursion.

From 3rd to 5th March, 2022, 24 members and guardians from the Tejgaon unit, Dhaka
Archdiocese went camping in Zakiganj, Sylhet, and visited the Lovachora Tea Estate,
Sylhet.

Page 07

Youth Seminar

01) On 14th February, 2022 Chattogram unit,
Chattogram BCSM arranged a seminar along
with 65 youths in Cathedral Parish focusing
on the theme, “The role of youth in building
an ideal family”. The Family Life
Commission of Chattogram Archdiocese
provided overall support in the seminar. Fr.
Leonard Rebeiro, Vicar General, Chattogram
Archdiocese shared his thoughts about the
theme. He also discussed different
perspectives on marriage, the position of the
catholic church, challenges of pre- and post-
marriage etc. Later on, Mr. Flevian D’ Costa, Publication and Media Secretary, BCSM,
discussed the introduction and methodology of BCSM. Afterward, 9 H.S.C. passed
candidates were felicitated from BCSM. After a cultural program, the seminar ended
with the ending speech of the program convenor Mr. Aundre Valerio Gomes.

02) On 12th April, 2022 Andharkota Unit,
Rajshahi Diocese arranged a spiritual lent
seminar keeping the theme, “On the way to
Calvary with Jesus” alongside 75 youths. The
theme was explained by Fr. Sagar Corraya,
Chaplain, Andharkota BCSM unit. He also said,
“We all have some kind of cross in our lives,
which if we can carry it to the end, we too can
walk the path of Calvary with Jesus.”
Confession and the holy mass were offered by
Fr. Premu Rozario. After a study session on,
“Participation of youth in church” the seminar
concluded.

Page 08

Way of the Cross

Focusing on different spiritual basics, such as
creating a prayerful and holy surrounding
amidst the believers through acting the way
of the cross to Calvary of Jesus, inspiring
youths towards the mentality of sacrifice, etc.
Kosba unit, Dinajpur diocese; Andharkota
unit, Rajshahi Diocese and Cathedral and
Narikelbari unit, Barishal diocese presented
the way of the cross in front of all their
parish members in April.

Art Competition

On 21st February, 2022 on the occasion of
international mother language day,
Luxmibazaar unit, Dhaka Archdiocese
arranged an art competition. The competition
was among the students from play-group to
college level. After the competition, a
cultural program was held and later the
names of the winners were announced as
well as the prizes were given by the guests
and judges. The judges and guests were also
given honorary mementos for their cooperation. After the prize-giving ceremony, the
program concluded.

Page 09

Miscellaneous

1) In memory of the language martyrs of 1952 all the unit members
throughout the whole country paid homage on 21st February, 2022 with
flowers.

2) Most of the units in all the diocese arrange lent programs, seminars, etc.
3) Cathedral unit of Barishal Diocese distributed clothes to the helpless

people and Bedey ethnic group.
4) “In memory of late Sonjit friendly cricket tournament-2022” was organized

by Rajshahi diocesan BCSM in the field yard of cathedral church on 3rd
May, 2022.
5) Most of the units of every diocese arranged the holy rosary prayer in May
which is the month of mother Mary.
6) On 9th April, 2022, the Tejgaon unit of Dhaka Archdiocesan BCSM
arranged “Cross Adoration” in Tejgaon Holy Rosary Church. Members
from the other 3 units and youths above class 9 took part in the adoration.
Fr. Philip Tushar Gomes, Chaplain, Tejgaon unit, and Fr. Tushar James
Gomes were also present at the event. Moreover, 5 guests from the Coptic
Church of Egypt took part in the adoration and at the end shared their
culture and activities.
7) On 29th April, 2022 Tejgaon unit of Dhaka Archdiocesan BCSM arranged
an orientation program and monthly meeting. The new members were
welcomed through a cultural program as well as some small gifts. Along
with the chaplain Fr. Philip Tushar Gomes and Mr. Patrick Drishya
Purification, Former President BCSM a total of 40 members were present
at the event.
8) Intending to awaken the helpless and poor students towards quality
education, the members of the Gopalpur unit are teaching them for free
which is still ongoing.
9) Members from almost all dioceses participated regularly in the Continued
Learning Action Program(CLAP) organized by IMCS.

Page 10

Photo Gallery

Orientation Program
Clothes Distribution

Paying Respect to Language Martyrs

Page 11

Photo Gallery

Cross Adoration Way of Cross

Program on the occasion of International Mother Language Day

Teaching helpless students for free Christian Leadership and Capacity Building Training-2022

Page 12

“We express our deepest gratitude
toward our Members,

Former Members, Chaplains &
the Well Wishers of BCSM
for supporting us always”

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