Bangladesh Bishops' Conference celebrates 50 years

The CBCB marked the milestone of half a century in the service of the Catholic communities in the country with a ceremony in Dhala. The contribution of schools and social services for all. A commitment equality and enhance recognition of female leadership in the life of the Church.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) recently commemorated 50 years since its foundation. The anniversary was celebrated in a festive atmosphere, expressing deep gratitude and thanksgiving to God at the CBCB headquarters in Dhaka on Friday, 27 May. 

The Archbishop of Dhaka Msgr. Bejoy N'D Cruze, a religious of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and president of the Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, the Apostolic Nuncio in Bangladesh Msgr. George Kocherry, all the bishops, Christian politicians, Catholic leaders, over 200 priests and nuns and more than 2000 faithful attended the event.

Archbishop Bejoy N'D Cruze said: "I want to express my deepest gratitude, love and respect for all those who have contributed so much to this Bishops' Conference over the past 50 years. I hope that the CBCB can go a long way in the future with everyone's cooperation."

He added: "The CBCB has helped the Catholic Church in Bangladesh to walk together. The bishops have always met four times a year and this has made the relationship between the dioceses united and fraternal. This relationship of unity and brotherhood makes each diocese stronger'. Bangladesh has eight dioceses, including two archdioceses.

Archbishop Bejoy recalled that the establishment of the CBCB after the country's liberation in 1971 was a sign of foresight. Now, thanks to this organisation, the Catholic bishops can jointly manage all activities for the faithful.

Catholic MP Jewel Areng praised the CBCB, saying: 'The Catholic Church in Bangladesh is taking our society forward in the fields of education, health and socio-economic development. The leadership of the bishops and many other Catholic brothers and sisters has helped us a lot. I thank and appreciate them.

Other lay and religious leaders also said that the CBCB helped the faithful grow in faith and inspired them. But they also mentioned the challenges faced by Bangladeshi Catholics. Among them, separations are the main problem. Many Catholics face problems in married life due to drug addiction, extramarital affairs and the influence of social media.

Some of those present suggested that the CBCB should give more space to women's leadership and involve young people more in Church activities and take care of indigenous people to improve their living conditions.

Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, vice-president of the CBCB, responded that the Bishops' Conference is sincere in its commitment to promote women's leadership. 'The prime minister of our country,' he commented, 'is a woman. We want women to come forward and also become the executive director of Caritas Bangladesh. Some women religious, like the Sisters of the Holy Cross and or the Sisters of Our Lord of the Missions (RNDM) ably run renowned educational institutions. Many other women can apply for leadership'.

The CBCB is an organisation that provides guidance and direction to Christians in the country. This institution was founded in 1971, after independence. Its main objective is to formulate initiatives and programmes for the welfare of the people of Bangladesh by promoting the activities of local Christians.

The Catholic Church in Bangladesh has its own university and runs more than three hundred prestigious educational institutions such as Notre Dame, Holy Cross and St. Joseph as well as an integrated human development organisation Caritas Bangladesh. There are about 100 Catholic hospitals and health centres in the country. They are open to all, regardless of ethnicity, caste or creed.

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