Bangladesh, Christians pray for peace at Easter
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – “We wish to live in peace with all peoples, without the distinction of caste or religion and we want to share the Risen Christ’s message of love and peace with everyone”. Msgr Paulinus Costa archbishop of Dhaka tells AsiaNews that during Holy Week the Catholics of Bangladesh “pray with a special intention for peace in the nation”.
Bangladesh has circa 150 million inhabitants, 85% of whom are Muslim. Hindus count for 12% of the population; Christians are a tiny minority just 1.1%. The country is often wracked by violence and conflict. In recent weeks the border guard’s revolt for lack of pay caused hundreds of deaths.
The prelate recalls an episode that took place back in 2001 when a terrorist group bombed a Catholic Church in Bainarchor to target the priest. The attack against the religious man did not succeed, but ten people died in the explosion and 70 others were wounded. “We are praying for God's mercy for the souls who were killed in that incident and also for their families during this holy week – added the prelate - In all the situations of violence we preach Christ's message of Love, peace and forgiveness. We seek to be an instrument of peace in God's hands before this nation”.
“The happiest day of my life – recounts the Archbishop of Dhaka – was the presentation of the first candidate for priesthood to the late Archbishop. I was rector of the “Little Flower” seminary at the time in Bandhura. When Fr. Leonardo was ordained I couldn’t hold back my tears”.
In the decade stretching from 1996-2005 – before being called to lead the Archdiocese – Msgr. Costa baptised an estimated 30 thousand faithful. Between December ’96 and December 2008 he ordained 11 priests and 2 deacons. A further 141 study in the seminaries and the novitiates across the country, a clear example of the liveliness of the local Church. He hopes that they will answer “yes” to Gods call, to dedicate themselves to “consecrated life”.
The Archbishop of Dhaka concludes with the possibility of Easter becoming a national holiday in Bangladesh. Recently Promod Mankin, the only Christian member of parliament, has put forward a proposal to parliament and the Minister for Religious Affairs. “Premier Seikh Hasina – refers the Christian politician – has assured me that she will study the question carefully. I believe that the government will soon announce Easter a public holiday”.
.png)
