A missionary in Bangladesh for 56 years, Br. Donald Becker, C.S.C., was well-known for his austere and simple lifestyle. He was a pioneer of technical and vocational training in Bangladesh and taught for several years at St. Gregory High School in Dhaka where he notably introduced the sport of basketball to the Bangladeshi community. The students started to excel at the sport and it quickly spread to several schools throughout the country.

The annual basketball tournament organized by the St. Joseph Province of Brothers began in 2013 to remember and honor Br. Donald Becker, C.S.C., for his contributions to the sport and his work within the Holy Cross community. The tournament was held in June of this year and featured 200 student athletes from 10 different religious, congregational, and diocesan formation houses, student hostels, and seminaries, with the Holy Cross Brothers Scholasticate taking home the championship trophy.

Having been held for its eleventh year, the Br. Becker Memorial Tournament has become an eagerly anticipated annual event that helps build fraternity between the young men and offers opportunity for vocational discernment.

Published: July 30, 2024