Formed by mercy, young people "can transform Bangladesh"

A four-day meeting organized by the Bangladeshi Church for the future leaders of the communities, society and the nation. The focus of the assembly is mercy and its practical impact in everyone's life. An invitation to free themselves from the slavery of modern consumerism and materialism.

 

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – One day very soon, “this society, this Church, this nation will be led by young people. That's why it is vital that from now on you decide to model your life on the teachings of Jesus and his mercy”, said Msgr. Paul Ponen Kubi, bishop of Mymensingh, to about 400 young people gathered in his diocese for a national meeting on the theme of mercy.

The prelate also explained the importance of starting a family: "The family is a great little church, the core of our entire society." The meeting was held in the church dedicated to St. Leo the Great (of Baromati parish), in Sherpur district. About 370 young Catholics registered for the four days of conferences and meetings, February18 to 22, organized as part of the 31st National Youth Assembly.

Opening the meeting - dedicated to the Gospel verse "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" - Msgr. Kubi said: "When I was a young priest, my ministry was focused on young people. Now those young people are our leaders: young people have immense courage, so they can do the good work that others cannot accomplish. "
The purpose of the Episcopal Commission for Youth Ministry, which organized the meeting, is to promote the faith and Christian culture through greater involvement of high school students and universities. This is, says one of the organizers, "encouraging them to become responsible citizens, who want to get involved". One very important commitment is the need to "break free" from modern slavery: consumerism, materialism and unbridled capitalism.
Speaking to the audience, Apurbo Mrong - regional director of Caritas Mymensingh - said: "You young people, from my point of view, are forward looking and confident. These are the virtues that you must use in your daily life, the tools with which you can enrich the Church and the nation”.

Fr. Ripon James, coordinator of the Commission, added: "Put in place a plan of life as of now. In this way you will get the most out of your existence. "

Jackson Soren, a young man from Dinajpur, told AsiaNews: "We have better understood the Year of mercy and the Pope's message. I decided to give more space to the works of mercy in my life. I also learned more about the culture of the tribal Garo, mostly in Mymensingh. I am of the Santal tribal community, and I'm glad I made new friends. "

• Bangladesh
• Catholic Church
• Jubilee of Mercy
• youth