Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rajshahi (Agenzia Fides) - "The celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Rajshahi intends to give thanks to God for all the blessings he has given to the diocese in its history": says the Pastoral Letter sent to all the faithful by His Exc. Mgr. Gervas Rozario, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Diocese of Rajshahi. The celebrations for the event on 10 and 11 September 2015 will be enriched by the pastoral visit of Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
In the pastoral Letter, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishop recalls the history of the local church: "On 21 May 1990, the diocese of Rajshahi was canonically erected, first led by Bishop Patrick D'Rozario, C.S.C., and years later by Archbishop Paulinus Costa. At the beginning there were seven parishes in the diocese, today there are 19 and the 20th is being created. Thanks to the pastoral work of diocesan priests, of PIME missionaries, nuns, catechists and faithful, the Church walks and picks the fruits of grace".
Evangelization and education were among the pastoral priorities of the diocese, said the Bishop in the text, which are still fundamental. Evangelization has been going on among the indigenous Adivasi (of various ethnic groups: Santal, uraon, mahali, Mundari, Pahari, mahato etc.) "to spread the love of Christ through the economic and social development of the poor by providing health assistance and in the testimony of mercy, justice and peace". In addition, the process of "renewal of the local Church is carried out thanks to families, parishes, through a deep commitment to the Gospel". "Today there are many people who want to hear the Word of God. The Word of God must be preached to them with great care", writes Bishop Rozario.
"The Church of Rajshahi is always attentive towards the poor and engaged in works of mercy, which diocesan and religious priests, nuns and catechists are dedicated to" stresses the text, saying that the entire community is preparing to live the Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis with joy and with deep commitment. (DC-PA) (Agenzia Fides 09/09/2015)
