The funeral rites of the late Rev. Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes, a respected priest of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, were solemnly celebrated on 6 October 2026 at the Holy Rosary Queen Catholic Church, with due religious dignity and reverence. He passed away on 5 October 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Despite his prolonged illness, he remained devoted to prayer, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and a life of service until the end.
The funeral ceremony began with reflections and tributes on the life, ministry, personality, and memories of the late Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes. Mrs. Babra Gomes, Mr. Emroz Gomes, Fr. David Gharami, Brother Joachim Gomes, Sr. Sunita Gomes, RNDM, and, on behalf of the family, Mr. Nathaniel Prince Gomes, shared their memories of the late priest. Their reflections highlighted his simplicity, love for people, special affection for children, and dedication to literature.
Following the tributes, His Excellency Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, CSC, Archbishop of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, presided over the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. Priests and religious of the Archdiocese, relatives, representatives from different parishes, and faithful from various communities participated in the Eucharistic celebration. They prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the late priest and expressed gratitude for his long years of priestly ministry.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes was born on 15 April 1954 in Dakkhin Gram of Padrishibpur, Barishal. His father was the late Arman Gomes, and his mother was the late Teresa Gomes. He was the fourth among three brothers and two sisters.
From 1962 to 1968, he received his formal education at St. Alfred High School in Padrishibpur. From 1969 to 1974, he resided at the Bandura Minor Seminary in Dhaka and completed his secondary education at Holy Cross High School. From 1974 to 1978, he stayed at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Ramna, and completed his Higher Secondary and undergraduate studies at Notre Dame College. Subsequently, from 1978 to 1984, he studied Philosophy and Theology at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes was ordained to the priesthood on 28 December 1984 at Padrishibpur Parish by Bishop Joachim Rosario, CSC. He subsequently devoted nearly four decades of his life to priestly ministry in various parishes and Christian communities of the country.
At the beginning of his priestly ministry, he served as Assistant Parish Priest of Narikelbari Parish in 1985, Assistant Parish Priest of Barishal Parish in 1986, and Director of Sebakalaya in 1987. In 1988, he served as Assistant Parish Priest of Bandarban Parish, followed by service as Assistant Parish Priest of Cathedral Parish in 1990. In 1999, he served as Parish Priest of Rangamati Parish, and in 2001, he again served as Assistant Parish Priest of Cathedral Parish.
From 2002 to 2026, he lived in retirement on the fourth floor of the Priests’ Residence at the Chattogram Archbishop’s House. Even during his retirement, however, his life of prayer and spiritual devotion continued faithfully.
Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes was not only a priest but also a lover of children, literature, and creative expression. He had a deep affection for children. As a poet and writer, he received appreciation on several occasions for his literary contributions and achievements. The National Museum honoured him as a “Suhrid” (Friend).
His creative works covered a wide range of literary forms. He left his mark through rhymes, poems, short stories, essays, novels, and devotional songs (kirtan). In recognition of his literary contributions, he was honoured with a reception and commemorative award by the Central Council of Chhayanaut, one of the country’s leading cultural organizations, in 1999.
In addition, owing to his wisdom and intellectual depth, he was associated with the University of Dhaka as a guest lecturer. Alongside his priestly responsibilities, his literary and creative activities established a distinctive presence for him in the cultural and intellectual life of society.
During the later years of his life, Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes resided at the Priests’ Residence of the Archbishop’s House. For nearly two and a half decades, he lived there as a suffering servant of Christ. He accepted his illness in union with the Cross of Christ and bore his suffering with faith and serenity.
His daily life was marked by personal meditation and prayer, celebration of the Holy Eucharist, praying the Rosary, and spending time in fellowship with brother priests and members of the faithful. Despite the limitations caused by illness and advancing age, his life remained deeply prayerful and centred on God.
Following the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, priests, religious, relatives, faithful from different walks of life, and well-wishers paid their final respects to the late Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes. His long years of priestly ministry, literary contributions, love for children, and simple and dedicated way of life left a profound impression on all who were present.
The subsequent funeral rites were conducted under the leadership of Fr. Terence Rodrick, Vicar General of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese.
The nearly 42 years of priestly ministry of Fr. Joseph Jibon Gomes stand as a testimony to a life of prayer, service, literature, love, and self-giving. His life and ministry will remain long remembered among the faithful of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese.
On behalf of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, prayers were offered for the eternal repose of his soul, along with thanksgiving to Almighty God for the gift of his life and ministry. We trust that the merciful God will reward him for all his sufferings and years of dedicated service by granting him eternal peace and a place in His heavenly kingdom.
