Sumon Corraya

For nearly two decades, the "Korean sisters" of Bangladesh, as they're affectionately known, have set up medical camps in remote areas, and provided a homestay for girls in need.

Locals took refuge in sister-run schools after severe storms in May and April destroyed their homes, with sisters offering food and support in the aftermath.

Former students admire Sr. Miriam Francis Perlewitz of the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic for her remarkable contribution to the formation of priests in Bangladesh.

 Hundreds of impoverished women have become self-sufficient through a sister-run handicraft program.

Sr. Mary Rose of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, popularly known as the "monastery sisters," is actively working to increase the number of members of their congregation. 

In 1973, Sister Mary Lillian of the Associates of Mary Queen of the Apostles co-founded CORR-The Jute Works, which trains women artisans, ensuring trade justice, market access and improved living standards.

Kkottongnae Sisters of Jesus take in orphans in Bangladesh who live neglected and without families; they also care for people with disabilities. Sr. Andree Lee spoke to GSR about the sisters' ministry.

Sr. Sandra Joseph, a member of Sisters of Charity of Sts. Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa, has been serving in Bangladesh for 42 years. Joseph, 74, is a nurse who works with couples struggling with infertility. 

"We live in a country where people of different faiths live. This training helped us to understand the importance of harmony and we could boost it at our workplace," a Bangladeshi Salesian Sister told GSR.

Sr. Mary Rina Magdeline Cruze of the Associates of Mary Queen of the Apostles is principal of the Hindu-founded Kumudini Nursing College, where she educates nurses for Bangladesh and spreads the values of Jesus Christ.

Dora D'Rozario, a 63-year-old consecrated virgin in Bangladesh, helped create a prayer house and residence at Padrikanda in Golla Parish in Dhaka so consecrated virgins in the country can spend time together.

Sr. Shikha Laetitia Gomes' dream for Bangladesh's Holy Cross College is for the students to "be the bearers of touch and remove the darkness of the world, opening a new horizon and establishing peace."

A number of African women were recognized at the Pan-African Catholic Congress on Theology, Society and Pastoral Life for their contribution to the continent's development. 

In Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Shanti Rani Sisters run St. Francis Xavier High School, recently gifted with a new building, thanks to a prominent alumnus. GSR spoke with the school's headmaster, Sr. Pierina Cecilia Das.

Nearly 50 Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate in Dhaka, Bangladesh, participated in a parish synodal event. "As nuns, we want to make people more active in the church," Sr. Chandana Rozario said.

All religions strive to inspire people of other faiths. They don't seek to hurt others, says Sr. Reba Veronica D'Costa. She spoke to GSR about the importance of interfaith dialogue for peace.

Our Lady of Sorrows Sr. Lipy Gloria Rozario is a psychological counselor who directs Healing Heart Counseling Unit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which offers counseling services and training for mental health professionals.

Sr. Shephali Khalkois is from Bangladesh and has worked as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for 10 years. She currently oversees a boarding house for 100 dropout teen and female students, who she teaches life values by providing counseling to strengthen their Catholic faith.

Bangladesh has very few Christians, but Sr. Mary Mitali is part of a commission that encourages them to be more active in liturgical and sacramental life as well as in works of mercy, charity and social development.

The Catholic Church runs more than 1,000 schools and 17 colleges in the Muslim-majority country, including 100 schools by sisters. Lockdown and loss of income (because students' family members have died) is stressing a fragile system.