VATICAN - Benedict XVI tells the Bishops of Bangladesh: “the most important contribution we can bring to interreligious dialogue is our knowledge of Jesus of Nazareth, ‘the way, the truth and the life.’”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Bishops are called to be patient, mild and gentle in the spirit of the beatitudes. In this way they lead others to see all human realities in the light of the Kingdom of Heaven... Many of your people suffer from poverty, isolation or discrimination, and they look to you for spiritual guidance that will lead them to recognize in faith, and to experience in anticipation, that they are truly blessed by God.” These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI in addressing the Bangladesh Bishops’ Conference, whom he received in an audience on June 12, on the occasion of their ad limina apostolorum visit.
The Pope congratulated the Bishops for their generous love for God, their care for the people that the Lord has entrusted to them, and for their unity in the Holy Spirit. He then spoke of the task entrusted them: the effective transmission of the deposit of Faith. He expressed his gratitude for their efforts to “to ensure that your lay catechists are sufficient in number, well prepared and given due recognition by the faithful... their example and dedication will draw other lay men and women to a more active role in the Church’s apostolates.” As to the reception of the Sacraments, today and always it is most important to prepare “young men and women to recognize the Sacrament of Matrimony as a life-long covenant of faithful love and as a path to holiness,” the Pope said. “There is an urgent need on the part of all Christians to reassert the joy of total self-giving in response to the radical call of the Gospel.”
Another hopeful sign is seen in the many vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life that the Church in Bangladesh is currently experiencing. “I encourage your efforts to offer these candidates suitable formation that will bring forth abundant fruits,” the Holy Father said, as he also expressed his gratitude towards the generous assistance offered especially by the Church in Korea, in the preparation of their seminarians and priests.
He continued, saying, “the Church is Catholic: a community embracing peoples of all races and languages, and not limited to any one culture or particular social, economic or political system. She is at the service of the entire human family, freely sharing her gifts for the well-being of all. This gives her a connatural ability to foster unity and peace. My dear brothers, you and your people, as promoters of harmony and peace, have much to offer the nation. In your love for your country you inspire tolerance, moderation and understanding. By encouraging people who share important values to cooperate for the common good, you help to consolidate your country’s stability and to maintain it for the future.”
In addressing the subject of interreligious dialogue, Benedict XVI encouraged the Bishops of Bangladesh “to persevere with patient dedication to this essential component of the Church’s mission ad gentes. Indeed, much good can be accomplished when it is conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and collaboration in truth and freedom... Consequently, the most important contribution we can bring to interreligious dialogue is our knowledge of Jesus of Nazareth, "the way, the truth and the life" (Jn 14:6). Dialogue, based on mutual respect and truth, cannot fail to have a positive influence on the social climate of your country. The delicacy of this task requires thorough preparation of clergy and lay people, first of all by offering them a deeper knowledge of their own faith and then by helping them to grow in their understanding of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the other religions present in your region.”
At the close of his speech, the Pontiff mentioned the upcoming celebration of the Pauline Year, “which will be for the whole Church a renewed invitation to announce with unfailing courage the Good News of Christ Jesus,” and he told the Bishops, “Like the first Christians, you live as a small community among a large non-Christian population. Your presence is a sign that the preaching of the Gospel, which began in Jerusalem and Judea, continues to spread to the ends of the earth in accordance with the universal destination the Lord willed for it. My prayers accompany you as you lead your priests, men and women religious and lay faithful along the path marked out by so many dedicated missionaries, beginning with Saint Francis Xavier, who brought the Gospel to your country.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/6/2008)