Moreau Seminary in Zindabahar, Dhaka, is currently home to 74 Bangladeshi seminarians who are going through its 3-year formation program. The seminary has been steadily increasing its membership since its building was built in 2010. Yet this increase in residents recently created a need to update the building in order to accommodate the men and to improve their quality of living. 

Thanks to the generosity of Holy Cross Mission Center donors, an extensive renovation project was undertaken last year which greatly improved the functionality and appearance of the building, and unexpectedly deepened the bonds of community between the seminarians. 

Among the improvements made were the addition of mosquito netting on 65 windows, serving to protect the seminarians from disease in an area of the world where mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent. Rev. Ananda Mondal, C.S.C., the director of the seminary, told Holy Cross Missions Center, “There were no nets on any windows. But now we fixed it… and seminarians can sleep soundly and safe from diseases which are caused by mosquitos.” 

Another improvement that raised the quality of life for residents: More bathrooms and washrooms. Initially, there were only nine toilets and washrooms, none of which were on the ground floor. As part of the renovation, three new toilets were installed on the ground level. 

Due to government construction work near the building, the seminary’s drainage system, which had several ruptured pipes, became blocked with mud and rubbish. Thankfully, this renovation project allowed for the drainage system to be completely fixed to operate at full capacity.

Other improvements included removing damaged plaster and replacing it with chemically-treated damp-proof plaster, adding a 3-inch patent stone casting to the roof, adding a brick wall to the garden, repairing locks and bolts on doors, fixing the security lock for the main gate, and adding more security lighting. Additionally, much of the building was repainted, and the glazed tiling in the dining room and bathrooms was replaced. 

“This project brought a wonderful impact over the seminarians. Now the building looks very nice and has more facilities,” Fr. Mondal said. 

David Chiran, a residential teacher of English and music, has lived at the seminary for 2 years. He shared his gratitude for the increased accommodations for seminarians, saying, “Every year, many new seminarians come and start their period of formation with English and Catechism classes. There were less facilities for all of them. But now, we can accommodate with much more facilities.” 

Since they first arrived in Bangladesh, the men and women of the Congregation of Holy Cross have faced many challenges, and this project was not immune to that. From Bangladeshi political turmoil that impacted economic conditions, to having their electric wires stolen and experiencing an increase in prices for materials, there were multiple trials throughout the renovation process. Fr. Mondal shared, “Our seminarians faced lots of difficulties during the renovation work in the seminary. The laborers were restless because of the situation.” 

Yet, the seminarians overcame, and both the process and its final result brought the community closer together. 

“Our seminarians helped the workers and made a good relationship with them,” Fr. Mondal said. “The seminarians became more aware to look after one another and managed everything with minimum spaces.”  

Rev. Mithu L. Palma, C.S.C., echoed these sentiments about the positive impact the renovation has had on the community. “By the implementation of this project, I have found that the community has a stronger [bond] than before,” he said. “We, the house members, shared a lot and made a plan for the renovation work and stood side by side together. We always looked out for others’ concerns, ready to extend our helping hands. Still now, we are moving with the same spirit and living with a close family [bond].”

Published: April 23, 2025