MYMENSINGH, Bangladesh – In a country where Catholic vocations often emerge from modest rural communities, the quiet influence of ordinary Catholics can be decisive. For decades, Lobdine Chisim, a lay teacher and catechist of Mariamnagar Parish in the Diocese of Mymensingh, Bangladesh, has had just such an influence – helping shape a generation of priests and religious sisters through personal sacrifice, faithful accompaniment and maternal care.
Chisim, 65, received the papal honorific “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” in 2025 in recognition of his lifelong service to the Church. The award highlighted a vocation that lived not in vows or ordinances but in the ongoing support of the sensible consecrated life of Catholics.
Mariamnagar Parish, established in 1937 by American Holy Cross missionaries, has produced at least eight priests and seven religious sisters over the years. According to the pastor and religious people of the parish, Chisim has played a role, directly or indirectly, in almost all the businesses.
Lobdin Chisim at his home in Mariamnagar Parish on April 24, 2026. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Lobadine Chisim
A member of the parish, Chisim teaches at the local Catholic school and serves as a catechist. Known for her fidelity to Church teaching and firm moral guidance, she has long accompanied young people considering the priesthood or religious life, often stepping into roles filled by parents or formal formation staff.
Although never officially assigned to a seminary or formation house, Chisim worked quietly and became what local pastors call a “caretaker of vocations”, introducing boys and girls to seminaries and religious congregations, helping them with formation, and supporting them materially when poverty threatened to derail their vocations.
Chisim, the mother of one child, personally financed the seminary education of her younger brother – now Father Joseph Chisim. In addition to her family, she continues to keep track of the progress of seminarians and candidates, keeping in touch with them through letters, visits, and phone calls, especially during moments of doubt or crisis.
Father Sanchay Ignatius Chisim (no relation to Lobadine Chisim), rector of St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Jalchattra, Tangail, considers the lay woman’s influence decisive in his own conscience. Speaking to EWTN News, he said that he first inspired him while teaching catechism classes during his school years.
“She encouraged me to enter the seminary and continued to guide me even after I joined,” she said. “He gave me advice and counsel and helped me financially many times when I was in seminary.”
Father Chisim remembers that she would regularly inquire about his well-being when he returned home during holidays from the seminary. “She protected me like a mother and warned me against temptation. She played an important role in my becoming a priest and I am grateful to her.”
The religious sisters of Mariamnagar Parish also give similar testimony.
Sister Mary Hima of the Associates of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, now headmistress of St. Lawrence School in Dhaka, said she first encountered Chisim in catechism classes as a child.
“She inspired us to be sisters even then,” Hima told EWTN News. “When I later entered the Formation House, she was very happy and continued to inspire me and said that as a sister I would be able to serve very well.”
Hima said that Chisim’s support did not end after the first profession. During a difficult period in his early religious life, when he felt unable to trust his community or family, he turned to Chisim for guidance.
“He gave me honest advice and counsel, which helped me continue my religious life with strength,” Hima said, adding that she was extremely grateful for that.
Beyond personal understanding, Chisim has become a respected figure throughout her village. She regularly leads evening prayers and is known for encouraging priests, sisters and laity to live honestly and morally.
Lobadine Chisim speaking during a ceremony conferring the Pope’s award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in Mymensingh on January 11, 2025. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Lobadine Chisim
Speaking to EWTN News, Chisim said his inspiration comes from a simple conviction about the life of the church.
He said, “Priests and sisters provide wonderful service. They keep the Church alive.” “That’s why we need more of them.”
She told that she only gives financial assistance to those doing religious business and not for marriage. “Many families live below the poverty line,” he said. “Some boys and girls lose enthusiasm because they cannot afford books, examination fees or school expenses. I help them as much as I can.”
Although she does not consider herself wealthy, Chisim said she finds peace in supporting businesses. “I spend less on the world so I can help them,” she said.
Their role also extended to assisting the diocesan leadership. He recalled that CSC Bishop Ponnen Paul Kuby of Mymensingh had asked him to advise seminarians struggling with hesitation shortly before the convocation.
“I talk to them and encourage them to return to the seminary,” she said. “Many have continued and are still serving the church beautifully.”
For those who knew him, Chisim’s life stands as a testament to the often-overlooked power of common witness – the call to fidelity that has, quietly and consistently, helped sustain the Church in Bangladesh.
