by Sumon Corraya

"The poor, children, young people and women are at the heart of Catholic social outreach,” the charity’s new president, Mgr Gervas Rozario, told AsiaNews. “We shall never give up Christ and His Word,” he said. His focus will be on climate change, environment and food safety. Education and training are the current challenges.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – For Mgr Gervas Rozario (pictured), the newly elected president of Caritas Bangladesh, the charity will always focus on the values ​​of the Gospel and Christian ethics in its service to the needy, especially the poor.

"Caritas,” he told AsiaNews, “works for social justice and peaceful coexistence of people of different religions and cultures through inclusion and dialogue. The poor, ethnic minorities and the marginalised are its priorities.”

Mgr Rozario became bishop of Rajshahi in 2007, and has been a member of Caritas since 1996. Recently, he took over the charity from Mgr Theotonious Gomes, who had been in charge since May 2006.

The prelate talked to AsiaNews about his projects and vision for the charity, whose focus must be the poorest. He also talked about how it can help spread the teachings of the Catholic Church.

"As the new president of Caritas Bangladesh, I do not have a real programme,” he explained. “Caritas is already doing a good job. Ordinary Indians appreciate it, even Muslims.”

Meanwhile, “I will catch up with current projects and fully commit myself to them. For this reason, I shall visit more often the places where Caritas operates.”

"I believe that not only Caritas, but also all the other organisations and the government should focus on education and education [to improve the country’s] trade and manufacturing capabilities,” he said.

For the bishop, human resource development must be a priority, “so that the people of Bangladesh can be an asset rather than a burden, able to earn more and lead the country towards true development".

"Caritas is working to ensure the development of man and of all humanity,” the prelate said as he explained future work. “We must continue on this path, bearing witness even more to the Gospel of Christ."

Missionary work is centred on the environment and the weakest segments of the population. "Caritas Bangladesh pays special attention to the development of the poor, children, youth and women. It is involved in climate change, environmental issues and food safety."

“By bearing witness to Christ’s love, Caritas can implement the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is the Church’s social outreach arm. It is for everyone, regardless of creed and race. Caritas directors and staff bear witness to the Gospel whilst carrying out their various projects. Christ's teachings are always the cornerstone."

"Although Caritas works for the welfare of everyone without discrimination, it often feeds some fears and doubts,” the prelate said in relation to current challenges.

“Frequently, government officials misunderstand Caritas policies and object to our projects in favour of the poor and the marginalised." In fact, some Catholic projects often fail to obtain the necessary permits.

At the same time, “Long-term donors are shying away, especially with regards to welfare projects.”

Still, “for Caritas Bangladesh, the biggest challenge is to give the right motivation to all of its staff, so that they can bear witness to Christian love. We are working hard to achieve this goal."

• bangladesh
• caritas
• gervas
• rozario