Dhaka, Bangladesh – 15 February 2025
A day filled with joy, faith, and celebration marked a significant moment for the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Bangladesh. In February 2025, the religious community in Dhaka gathered to witness the First Religious Profession of Sr Sheuly Das, a young woman who has chosen to dedicate her life to God according to the charism of Mother Elisabetta Renzi, the Foundress of the Congregation.
The heartfelt ceremony brought together many sisters, friends, and members of the local Church. The event was made even more special by the presence of the Superior General, Mother Serena Pinotti, who travelled from Rome to personally accompany Sr Sheuly as she took this important step in her religious vocation.
A Journey from Dhaka to the United States
Sr Sheuly began her vocational journey in 2017 in the postulancy program in Dhaka, where she lived a period of discernment, formation, and service within her own community. After this initial phase, in 2022, she was offered the opportunity to continue her religious formation in the Congregation’s house in Shreveport, Louisiana (USA).
Securing a visa, however, was not easy. The bureaucratic process took a long time, but by God’s providence, Sister Sheuly managed to leave and embark on the long journey that would take her overseas to complete her training.
During her time in Shreveport, she enjoyed a fulfilling multicultural experience, sharing community life with sisters from different parts of the world, and developing her understanding of Mother Elisabetta Renzi’s spirituality and pedagogy, which focused on Christian education and dedication to the youngest and poorest members of society.
After several months in Shreveport, she returned to Bangladesh in early 2025, ready to make her First Profession in the place where her vocation was first born.
The Celebration of the First Profession
The Profession ceremony took place in a simple yet moving liturgical celebration in the Church of St. Eugene De Mazenod, Nayanagar, Dhaka. During the Mass, Sr Sheuly publicly professed her temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, officially entering the Congregation as a Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Her heartfelt profession was a moment of great emotion for all in attendance. In her message during the ceremony, Mother Serena Pinotti emphasized the universal significance of this moment:
Sr Sheuly’s consecration is a gift to the entire Congregation. Her vocation, born in Bangladesh and matured also in the United States, is a tangible sign of a truly universal Church. As Mother Elisabetta taught us, our mission takes shape through humility and service.
A Sign of Hope for the Church in Asia
The entrance of a new sister is always a reason for joy, but even more so in the Asian context, where religious vocations are precious seeds of hope in the midst of cultural and spiritual challenges.
Sr Sheuly’s profession is a strong witness to young people in Bangladesh, showing that religious life remains a living and meaningful path. Her journey is the fruit of deep faith and a sincere desire to serve Christ and His people, especially the poor and the youth, just as Mother Elisabetta Renzi envisioned.
With her First Profession, Sr Sheuly begins a new chapter of her life dedicated to mission, education, and the life of the community. She will continue her training with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Louisiana, where she has returned, as her visa permits.
Her story, which bridges Asia and America, is a reminder of how religious life today is becoming more international, while remaining deeply rooted in local faith and culture.
