The educational mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Bangladesh (1947-2016)

Abstract

The Congregation of Holy Cross has been working on evangelization and education in Bangladesh since 1853. The Holy Cross missionaries have established well-reputed schools, colleges, and a university. Their primary mission is to preach the Gospel and promote Christian education. Their educational mission is apostolic and one of the vital components of evangelization. However, over the years, particularly the period from 1947 to 2016, there have been many changes – internal and external – to the Congregation itself and the socio-political and educational context of Bangladesh. Thus, the research addressed how the educational mission of the Congregation responded to the changes, within the Congregation and the Catholic theology of mission amidst the political, social, educational changes in Bangladesh over the last seventy years. The research analyzed how the educational mission of the Congregation evolved against the backdrop of changes over the period. It examined how the changes have shaped its educational mission in Bangladesh. This study took place in a historical context. Moreover, the study was conducted following a historical case (multiple cases) study method. The research was based primarily on the examination of written documents – primary and secondary – and fieldwork involving oral history interviews of Holy Cross personnel, both local and foreign, who are/were involved either in the teaching or administration of the educational institutions selected for case studies. The study argues that Holy Cross education went through significant changes because of political and educational shifts in Bangladesh. Holy Cross education, particularly from 1947 until today, has had to make constant adjustments and rearrangements with the political, social, and educational changes over time, to meet the needs of the changing society. A significant contribution to the changing mission of Holy Cross education has been the independence of Bangladesh and subsequent educational changes in the country still affecting the structure and policies of Holy Cross education. Another factor that contributed significantly to changes in Holy Cross education has been the Catholic Church itself and the structure of Catholic life, as a result of Vatican II. Mission models that emerged after the Council emphasized social justice and religious pluralism. Those teachings of the Church brought changes to the educational missions of Holy Cross in Bangladesh. Therefore, the Holy Cross missionaries have placed much emphasis on inclusive education and social justice in education. As Holy Cross educational missions were formulated, to some extent, in dialogue with governments, the study shows that with regard to educational policies and strategies, the Holy Cross had different approaches from governments. This sometimes resulted in tension between the Holy Cross and governments over the education policy of its schools and colleges. The study illustrates that the Congregation is quite successful in its mission of raising native clergy and establishing a local church. The Congregation had distinctive educational aims as part of an elite kind of education in both English and Bengali medium, and through primary and secondary education in the villages. These were primarily motivated by the idea of diffusion of Christian ideals and empowering Catholics.