Br. Binoy Gomes, CSC

My father died when I was very young and because there was no one to earn money, we were very poor. My mother, however, was very conscious about our education. She knew that without education we would not be able to shine in life. In those days, the Archbishop of Dhaka, Bangladesh (my home diocese) used to give hostel expenses to some poor students.

Because of this assistance, I completed my primary and high school education from Holy Cross High School in Bandura. I learned to study, play, and pray in a regular way from the Brothers there. Since the chapel was very near the hostel building, I used to see the Brothers praying every morning and evening together. I learned about the life of a Holy Cross Brother by living with them side by side.

When I was in Class Six, Brother Gerard Kaufold came to deliver a vocation talk to our class. I do not remember what he said about Brotherhood, but I remember that he wanted to know if we were interested in becoming Brothers. Every year after that a Brother came to give a talk. These talks helped me to think and reflect more about the goal of my life. I felt in my heart that somebody was asking, "What can you do for the Church since the Archbishop - meaning the Church - is helping you?"

I wanted to enter the congregation from Class Eight, but my mother did not let me. But still I kept my wish to be a Brother in my heart and used to ask the help of our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph. I prayed to them that I might do well in my studies and become a Holy Cross Brother.

I entered the Holy Cross Juniorate on January 4, 1974. I can still feel that decision; it has been the guiding force for me. After completing my Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Education, I made my final vows January 31, 1984. Since then I have directed the youngest members in our community in Narinda, Dhaka, taught in St. Gregory's High School and Udayan High School, served in the novitiate in Sagardi, Barisal, and completed my MS in Guidance and Counseling in the Philippines.

At present I am assigned to Holy Cross Scholasticate, Rampura, Dhaka. I love the formation work. This work challenges me to live my religious life in a more meaningful way. Our candidates help me be more patient, listening, and tender-hearted.

Fr. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC
Fr. Mario Lachapelle, CSC

 

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