The Fragrance of a Rose

Posted On November 10, 2011

The Arc Leading to the New Church

Fr. Anthony Germano, a Xaverian Missionary who has worked in Bangladesh for more than thirty years, shares a letter and some pictures of a newly built church with the outcasts of Chuknagar in Bangladesh. With this church was installed a new bell with the figure of our founder, newly canonized a saint, forged on the side for posterity. He writes:

Dear friends,

Fr. Germano giving words of thanks

I resume contact with you taking my cue from an anecdote that I just read in the famous Indian journal of theology “Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection.” As you well know, in this part of the world the truth is told in parables, which are called in the Bengali language upoma kahin or coup. Even Jesus, who belonged to the Asian world, spoke in parables.

So here is a parable: “The disciples were all taken up in discussion about a teaching of theirmaster, Lao-Tzu who said:”THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW SPEAK, SPEAK ABOUT THOSE WHO THEY DO NOT KNOW”. When the Master returned, his disciples asked him what the words meant. The Master said: “Who of you knows the fragrance of a rose?” Everybody knew what a rose smelled like. Then the Master said: “Express it in words.” The disciples were silent.

This story shows very well the situation where I am right now as I am about to refer the anniversary event of the Xaverian Missionaries among the outcast of Chuknagar and surroundings in Bangladesh, which was the culmination of over 30 years of presence and proclamation was marked by the dedication of a new church we just built. At the end of the ceremony of consecration of the church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Poor, which was witnessed by a throng of Christians, Hindus and Muslims, I spoke a few words for the occasion to thank all involved. I shared a message from my brother John, who always considered himself an “unbeliever” and communist since 1968.

This is what he wrote to me: “Dear Anthony, I wanted so much to be near you in these days of great intensity while you’re at Chuknagar to complete an enterprise so important for you and for your community. and so great and fascinating for all those who have had the good fortune from the beginning and follow this project from afar, offering their help for your sincere faith, your passion, and your determination and your endless love for your people. Dad and Mom are sure to be watching from heaven. I, too, am proud of you and share your joy.”

While referring to these words, the assembly fell into a majestic silence. I had a lump in my throat, similar to that of April 25, 1977, when, after saying goodbye to them I began my work in Bangladesh.

Dear friends, forgive this outburst of emotion. I can only leave you with these photos.

Fr. Anthony Germano, SX