FR. JOSEPH SUREN GOMES SDB - THE BISHOP ELECT

 OF KRISHNAGAR DIOCESE

By Fr. Samuel Mondol SDB

 Fr. Joseph Suren Gomes SDB has been appointed the Bishop of Krishnagar.  This good tidings comes to the Diocese which has been praying earnestly for a Pastor ever since the former Bishop of the Diocese, Lucas Sirkar (present Archbishop  of Kolkata) was made the Coadjutor Archbishop of Kolkata in 2000.   For the people of the Diocese of Krishnagar it is an Easter season with double joy!

  Fr. Joseph Gomes was born on 14 February 1944 at Hasanabad, Dacca, Bangladesh.  After completing his school education at Don Bosco Krishnagar he joined the salesian aspirantate at Bandel in 1958.  After his first profession on 18 April 1965 at Shillong he proceeded to Salesian College, Sonada for Philosophy and B.A.  As a young salesian he served the communities of Don Bosco Lonavla and St. Paul’s Borivili in Maharashtra.  Death has visited his family on three occasions.  His youngest brother, Francis Hemanta was the first victim who passed away in his infancy in 1956. He lost his daddy, Mr. John Gabriel Gomes on 7 January 1979.  His eldest brother, Mr. Mohan Gomes too left for heavenly reward on 14 June 1984.  His aged mother though sickly is a jovial mum.  With this news she could sing the nunc dimitus with Simeon, “Now, Master, you are letting your sevant go in peace (Jerusalem Bible)

 He commenced theological studies at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore on15 July 1971 during which he distinguished himself in giving pastoral assistance to the Bengali community at the Garden city.    He was the first priest to be ordained at Ranaghat parish on 21 December 1974 by late Bishop Motilal Baroi, the Bishop of Krishnagar.

 Since his ordination he has served the Salesian Province of Kolkata in various capacities.  He has worked in formation houses for 15 years in varied roles. He was the first Rector of Savio Bhavan, Azimganj, a house founded to nurture local vocations.  Many of his pupils are already priests both salesians and diocesans and a number of them are students of Theology and Philosophy.  During his rectorship at Don Bosco Krishnagar he was also in the Diocesan Council.  Be it at Parish, school or aspirantate he has won the affection and admiration of everyone.  He stands