Press releases

Indian priest conducts Christmas service at Catholic parish in Brest Oblast

Harald Jude Menezes [Screengrab/Belarus 4. Brest TV channel]

MINSK, 25 December (BelTA) – A priest from India now serves at a Catholic parish in Brest Oblast, BelTA reports citing the Belarus 4. Brest television channel.

Harald Jude Menezes, born into a Catholic family in Central India, dreamed of becoming a priest from childhood. Following his studies, he was sent to serve in Russia. “I had heard many good things about Belarus. When the opportunity came to serve here, I gladly accepted it,” said the priest, who is now the rector of the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God in the agricultural town of Darevo, Lyakhovichi District. According to the television channel, he also serves as a vicar at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Baranovichi.

His family and friends were surprised but supportive upon learning of his relocation to Belarus. “They looked up Belarus online right away. My older brother, who works in finance, immediately asked about the currency. Others asked about food and what the people were like. Their reaction was positive. Not everyone knows yet that I am currently in Belarus. I haven’t told all my classmates or friends about it,” the priest added.

According to him, Belarusians have welcomed him warmly. “There is a good, friendly atmosphere both in the parish and in various institutions. When I received my work permits, everyone was all smiles. I meet very friendly and open people. It is one of the reasons why a holiday began for me: I arrived in Belarus, and the holiday started,” the rector remarked. He is currently learning Belarusian so he can conduct services in the language. 

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks