Fr. Sobuj Samuel Simsang, OMI
Personal Profile
Name : Sobuj Samuel Simsang.
Father’s name : Nitin Nokrek (late), Roshil Nokrek (foster).
Mother’s name : Promila Simsang.
Date of birth : Dec.9, 1981.
Birth place : Pirgacha, Modhupur, Tangail.
Diocese : Mymensingh.
Position in the family : Eldest among three brothers and only sister.
Baptism : Feb.7, 1982.
1st Communion : July 17, 1994.
Confirmation : Oct. 30, 1994.
Joining in the seminary: July 2, 2000.
Novitiate : Aug. 21, 2008 – Aug. 8, 2009.
1st profession of Vows: Aug. 8, 2009.
Lectorship : Nov. 10, 2010.
Acolyteship : April 14, 2012.
Addressing self: I am Sobuj Samuel Simsang, my father is late Nitin Nokrek, now (foster) Roshil Nokrek, my mother is Promila Simsang. My father is a farmer and mother is a housewife. My parish is St. Paul’s Church, Pirgacha. I am from Pirgacha, Modhupur, Tangail. I am the first child of my parents. We are three brothers and one sister. I belong to one of the indigenous peoples in Bangladesh, called the Garos. My diocese is Mymensingh.
Childhood: As I was the first child of my parents, I got more care, love and affection from my parents. My grandparents also loved me very much because I was with them more than any other their grandchildren. I have many sweet memories with them. I would go to the two kilometer away village bazaar with my grandfather on foot. I would carry an umbrella to protect ourselves from the sun or rain. We had to pass a one kilometer long jungle. We were afraid of the wild animals, robbers and ghost. Therefore, we had to come back home before the evening. My grandfather would buy some food and sweetmeat for me from the bazaar, and I was very happy with that. I would go to pineapple-garden with my grandmother. My father would take me with him to the paddy field some times. I remember when my grandfather passed away many people gathered in our house. He was not buried, but burnt. It was an act of showing honour to him. Once my father organized a mandi drama which was staged in our house yard and many people came to see it. I remember also two of my aunties from mother side went to India and still they are there. Till then I did not meet any of them for a single time. My father departed in the year of 1988. Fr. Eugene Homrich, CSC came all the way from Jalchatra to pray over the dead and to bless the tomb. While I with other children was taking blessing from him, he asked us whether we would like to be priests. We with great enthusiasm put our hands up and said, “Yes”. In the time when my father died, we, my brother, sister and I were very young. Therefore, to look after the household and to bring us up, my mother got married again. My foster father was not a catholic, but a baptist. Once he was a prominent figure among baptist. Afterwards, he became a catholic and received marriage blessing from the Parish Priest. At the beginning, I could not accept my foster father. He was a stranger to me. I found him very aggressive and frightening to me. But he helped me in my studies. I was unwilling to study and go to school. We had cattle, especially, cows; my younger brother and I used to help my parents to look after them, and feed them with grass and pineapple leaves and other trees’ leaves. One day all the family members including my grandmother went to see Hindus puja at night. There she fell down on the ground and became paralyzed. After a few years, she died. From my childhood, I enjoyed all kinds of sports and games, such as, football, cricket, gollachut, murog lorai, dariabandha, chess, ludu, carom board and so on.
School life
Primary school: I was admitted in kindergarten at St. Paul’s Primary School in Pirgacha in 1989. But I was reluctant to go to school. My mother and foster father encouraged and forced me to go to school. Anyway, when I started going to school, I liked it and doing good in studies and sports. As I remember, on the first day of my school, a very restless boy from higher class came to our class room before our class teacher entered in and was trying to draw a picture. He was having fun with us. We were all laughing. Suddenly, the class teacher entered into the room in silence and caught him. She punished the boy. My step father was very much strict. He made me study everyday; he was a teacher when he worked for the baptist community. Whole day I would be out roaming around, playing and sometimes looking after the cattle, but in the evening, around 6:30 pm, I with all brothers and sister should be at home and do my studies. My role number was always among the first three. I would take bath in the pond with my friends, young mates; thus I learned how to swim. Pirgacha Parish was established in 1992, and I got opportunity to meet the Fathers and Brothers and even Sisters those who would visit us some times. They were all from the Holy Cross Congregation. I did not understand and have any knowledge about the diocesan priest or the Religious priest. Their life struck me. I thought on the religion and the Religious life especially on priestly life. My mother started working for Fathers with their cooking staff.
High School: After having passed class V, I got admitted in class VI at St. Paul’s High School, Pirgacha in 1995. I was sent to Pirgacha boys’ hostel for better study. Since I stood first in class V, so, in that year I got chance to write the scholarship examination of Mymensingh Diocese. I passed in the exam and got scholarship for my studies. I would get 50 tk per month for three years. When I passed class VIII, I with another boy had another opportunity to sit for the Govt. scholarship exam in Tangail. One of the teachers from my school guided us to Tangail. It was first time for me to have a journey to such a big town and to be surrounded by unknown Muslims. I was, at the same time, wondering and nervous. So, my study went on well in the high school as well. Beside studies, I used to take part in the annual sports and in other sports in the school. When I got up in class IX, I chose to study in Commerce section. I got a good English grammar teacher and a good math teacher in high school. They would really take care of all the students. I learned computer also in high school life. In 2000, I wrote the SSC examination in Modhupur and I passed it from Business group.
Hostel life: From class VI till the SSC examination, from 1995 to 2000, for about five years I was in the Pirgacha boys’ hostel. My high school life I spent in the hostel. There were rules and regulations in the hostel. In the morning at 6:00 am, we had morning prayer and holy mass, then study and manual labour. After having breakfast at 9:30 am, we would go to school. At 4:15 pm we had games and at 6:00 pm we had evening prayer and then dinner. Study time was up to 10:30 pm. We were altogether 60-70 boys in the hostel. We would cook and prepare meals by ourselves; we also buy rice, vegetables and other necessary things by ourselves. We had meals twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. There were two hostel masters. They would organize meetings, conferences and special classes for us. Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers would visit us some times and talk about the Religious vocation. As a result, a few boys went for ‘come and see’ programs from the hostel. I personally enjoyed the hostel life. We had a good group of students, especially for study; we had good understanding and competitions among ourselves. We would help each other; therefore, we got also good results in the examinations, even in the SSC exam. We had a good football team also.
My dreams for life: My parents had dreams on me. My parents in my childhood used to say and wanted that one day I would be a pilot or an engineer or a doctor. I had also dreams for myself. When I saw Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers, I was inspired by them. I wished to be like one of them - a Father or a Brother. As I grew up and came to knowledge, I wanted to be a business man. That is why, I chose business group to study in high school. While I was studying in class X, two boys from my school went to Mohammodpur, Dhaka to take part in the Oblates’ ‘come and see’ program. But afterwards, they did not join the Oblates. They shared about the Oblates with me and hearing them I was moved. Slowly interests about the Oblates grew in me. I wished and decided to join the Oblates and become an Oblate Religious especially an Oblate priest.
Joining in the Oblate Juniorate: While writing the SSC examinations, I with other three boys contacted with the then Fr. Bijoy D’Cruze, OMI, the Juniorate rector. Two boys who went for ‘come and see’ program in previous year and our parish priest helped us to get information about the Oblates and to contact. Four of us came for the ‘come and see’ program in May 2000. At the beginning, there was a three-day program in Dhaka, we were sent to Sylhet. One of mates was sent back home from Dhaka itself. Other three of us completed the program in Lokhipur parish, Kulaura, moulovibazaar, and among three, only I got the invitation to join the Oblate Juniorate. On July 2, 2000, I with other six new brothers joined the Juniorate. Meanwhile, Fr. Bijoy D’Cruze finished his term in the Juniorate and Fr. Ajit Victor Costa, OMI took over the responsibility of rectorship of the Juniorate. We had one year English course in the seminary. Rev. Fr. Rex Kulas, OMI, Fr. Emil Moraes, OMI, Fr. Angelo Martyn, OMI, Fr. Ajit V. Costa, OMI, an R.N.D.M Sister, sir Iftekhar and some other teachers taught us English. I learned how to play basketball and harmonium during this post matric period. In the very same year, one of my mates left us.
College and Degree Life: In 2001, I with other five brothers got admitted at Notre Dame College for study. I came down to arts group from business study because it was the seminary system that all had to study in arts group. In 2003, I passed the HSC examination. Meantime, two of my companions left the seminary. In the same year, I with another seminarian went to an Oblate parish called Mugaipar parish for apostolic experience for about three months. I visited all the villages under Mugaipar parish. The parishioners were all Mandis; therefore, I did not face any major problems there. Afterwards, I got admitted for degree pass-course at Notre Dame College. It was for three years, but, because of the session-jot, it took almost five years to complete. So, at last we completed it in 2008. In between, two other brothers also left us.
Pre-novitiate and Novitiate: On 22nd June 2008, I along with James joined the Pre-novitiate at Maggona, Sri Lanka. Fr. Marius, OMI and Fr. Jayamanne, OMI, were our Pre-novice masters. One of the Singhalese pre-novices took us to Maggona from Colombo. All the pre-novices welcomed us there. James and I got only one month for Pre-novitiate. I enjoyed with all the members there this short period of time. We visited a few tourist-places, Buddhist’s temples and sea beaches. After pre-novitiate, we got ten days holiday and we, the Bangladeshi and Pakistani Brothers visited Kandy Oblate scholasticate and Tringcomali Oblate community. From Kandy we went by train to the place where novitiate is held at Bandarawela. On August 21, 2008, we were initiated to the Novitiate. We were altogether eighteen – two Indian Tamils, four Pakistanis, two Bangladeshis, five Singhalese and five Sri Lankan Tamils. Indians did not join in the pre-novitiate at Maggona, because they did it in India itself. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI was our novice master, and Fr. Suranga, OMI and then Fr. Anton, OMI were assistant novice masters. They were very good and exemplary Religious as well as priests. During novitiate, I learned more about our Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, about our Congregation, spirituality, about myself and so on. We had also combined programs with other Religious Congregations there. We had opportunities to visit so many places and experience the life of the people. We would take ‘lakrivi’ classes for the children. I would take English class. We the Bangladeshis took Vows before other novices. We all the novices were supposed to take Vows on the 21st of August. For us the Bangladeshis, it was anticipated to the 8th of August for a few reasons. Before our Vows, a one-week retreat was arranged at Buttala for us. Rev. Fr. Roshan conducted the retreat. I along with James received the 1st Profession of Vows on the 8th of August 2009 by Fr. Anton, OMI at Sidupyianila, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.
Scholasticate and Major Seminary life: I along with James started coming to Bangladesh just after our Vows ceremony. Fathers were in hurry. Therefore, they did not check properly our plane tickets also. We had to stay at Singapore Airport for a whole day as for transit. When I brought it to their notice, they were sorry, because we were already in Colombo Airport and Fathers did not bring any money with them. Only Fr. Jagat gave us two thousand Sri Lankan Rupees, and we changed it with dollars and it came only 17 dollars. So, we were without food in Singapore for whole day. We were also tired. We came back to Bangladesh on 10th August 2009; we directly went to the Scholasticate at Nayanagar. Rev. Fr. Ajit V. Costa, OMI, the scholasticate superior and scholastic Brothers welcomed us. On the very same day, I started classes at Holy Spirit Major Seminary, Banany. In 1st two years, I studied philosophy and then I studied theology for four years. On the 10th November 2010, I received lectorship from Rev. Fr. Rex Kulas, OMI at Nayanagar and on the 14th April 2012, I received acolyteship from the Most Rev. Bishop Sebastian Tudu, the Bishop of Dinajpur. At Scholasticate, we have combined activities with the church: we have our Scholasticate exercises and we also follow the church programs. Though maintaining both is difficult, I find that it is very much helpful and useful to form myself for my goal, to be the shepherd of the people of God. During the stay at scholasticate, I with other scholastic Brothers looked after children’s religion classes, 1st confession, communion and confirmation classes and organizing programs for the holy childhood, ycs and BCSM. I also used to visit families of surrounding blocks and participating in prayer services. Sometimes, I got opportunity to visit the sick and distribute the Communion. During my scholasticate life, I went for apostolic experiences in different parishes such as Lokhipur parish, Mugaipar parish and Boruakona parish. I had a great privilege to be with Fr. Bob for pastoral experience. In this period of time, I also went for one year regency in two parishes. The last two years of my scholasticate life from August 2014 to May 2016, I with other Oblate scholastics was with the Franciscan Seminarians at Boshundhara. James left the scholasticate in July 2014.
Apostolic experience with Fr. Bob (Fr Robert Terence McCahill): In January 2011, I had a chance to be with Fr. Bob in Norail. It was a unique experience in my life. He works for the handicapped children. His life is totally different from other Missionaries. He stays alone among the non-Christians, especially, among the Muslims. His only transportation is his own push-bike. He looks for the poor and deprived handicapped children and he helps them for treatment, if necessary taking them to Dhaka. He is giving witness of Christ to the people through his life.
The year of Regency: After three years in Banani, I had one year regency - apostolic experience from August 2012 to July 2013 in two different parishes namely Chandpukur and Mugaipar. In 1st six months of regency, I was at Chandpukur parish in Rajshahi diocese, where the Santal and the Oraon are the majority among the Christians. In last six months, I was in Mugaipar parish in Sylhet diocese, where the Garos are majority. It was a great opportunity for me to experience the works totally in two different parishes.
Two years with the Franciscans: From August 2014 till now, I with other Oblate scholastics have been with the Franciscan seminarians and Fathers in their seminary at Boshundhara. We do everything together; we practice and do together prayers, mass, celebrating both congregations’ feasts, conference, making plans and so on; only one day, both the communities have their own exercises.
My reflections
My human character got from my parents and family members: We had a big family consisting of eighteen members; of course, afterwards, uncle and auntie and their family moved to other place. Therefore, the number of family members decreased. Some of what I learned from my parents and family members are:
- To share food, ideas, things and even beds with other members,
- To take care of others,
- To obey and honour the elders, we would not sit on chairs in front of the elders,
- To use common things, such as, soap, bucket, plates, glasses and so on,
- To have dinner all together,
- To be honest and humble,
- Parents always encouraged us to go for Sunday mass or prayer, and for the way of the cross during the Lent season.
God’s invitation and touch in my life: While reflecting on and recalling of my past, I found that through Fr. Eugene Homrich, CSC in my childhood, God gave me a special invitation to imitate His Son Jesus. When Fr. Eugene asked me whether I wished to be a priest, I as a young boy without having any knowledge of priesthood answered ‘yes, I did’. God calls me. When I was in the hostel in my high school life, I had a great opportunity to take part in the morning and evening prayers and in morning mass everyday. I remember once Fr. Eugene said in one of his sermons that if someone brings his sorrows, joys, happiness, pains, study, activities as well as his whole life during mass to God and offers to Him, especially with the offertory prayers, then God accepts everything, and the person would perform all better than his as usual performance. From that day on, I followed his instruction: I would offer my sorrows, joys, pains, happiness, studies, worries and activities to God and ask for His assistance. By two boys, God invited me and inspired me for coming for ‘come and see’ program in the Oblate Congregation and for the Religious Life, and touched my heart. In the seminary, through various persons: priests, companions, fellow seminarians, faithful, especially through my rectors, superiors, spiritual directors and also through novice masters, God has been guiding me in this spiritual journey.
Dreams in the future: From my childhood, I came across many missionary Fathers and Brothers. Fr. Eugene Homrich, CSC is the resident priest. I got him as the parish priest from my childhood. Many Holy Cross Fathers – native and foreigners – worked in our area. Some of them just visited us. I had good chances to visit villages with them, thus got their accompaniment and saw their life. Many other Fathers and Brothers from different congregations, such as, Xaverian- Italian Fathers, Jesuit Fathers, Mary knoll Fathers, Holy Cross Brothers and a few other congregational Fathers and Brothers visited us in different times. Seeing them, I had thought and wish to be like them. In Bangladesh, there are still many places where people do not hear about Christ and do not know about Christ. I want to take Christ to them as a missionary. Our Congregation, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is one of the missionary congregations. So, I also prepare myself to work in any part of the world. I also wish to work with the youth. But I make myself prepared for any kind of ministry in the future.
Challenges in my life: In this spiritual journey, there are many challenges I find. Challenges come from first of all, within myself personally and then from outside or from others or community. My personal challenges are as I see, my personal weaknesses, shortcomings and struggles, such as, to be disciplined in all aspects, to be sacrificial minded, to be spiritual person, to be community minded, to be aware of and sensitive to others, to be responsible for activities in the community, to be transparent and so on. I received Evangelical Counsels, the three Vows: Chastity-celibacy, Poverty and Obedience, and along with them, the Vow of Perseverance. They also always give me challenges in my personal as well as Religious Life. The Vows invite me to have and keep healthy and sound relationship with my fellow brothers in the community and also outside the community, to have sharing and caring mind, to have simple life-style in this secular world and globalized consumerism, to be humble and to dedicate myself totally to God and thus seek the will of God in my life, to respect and accept others’ opinions in the community and to be ready for any need of the community.
Thus, I have looked back and meditated on myself.
March 1, 2016
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