VATICAN - Cardinal Filoni in Bangladesh for the XXV Anniversary of the diocese of Rajshahi: "there is much work to do"

Rajshahi (Agenzia Fides) - "It is consoling to know that after twenty-five years your Local Church is growing, not only in number, but also in the service of God and of the community, in spite of tensions and different difficulties. We are like leaven in the midst of millions of non-Christian inhabitants, therefore, there is so much work to do". This is what Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples said this morning, September 11, during the solemn Mass he presided for the Silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Rajshashi, Bangladesh (see Fides 07/09/2015; 08/09/2015; 09/09/2015).
Inspired by the Gospel of the day (Lk 19,1-10) which talks about Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, the Cardinal stressed: "This story seems to be a paradigm of the story of your Diocese, which although small, has been growing in following Jesus in the proclamation of the Word of God during these past years. From a small seed, it has grown into a great ecclesial reality" and urged: "Try to constantly ignite your love for God and neighbors so that you may become little sparks of light within society, in order to guide others towards the right path".
The Cardinal recalled in his homily how 25 years ago, the diocese counted only eight parishes led by 10 diocesan priests and missionaries 9, while today there are 19 parishes and 36 diocesan priests. "After twenty-five years – he continued - you are now called to transmit what you have received: faith in Christ and love for your Church. Just as Zacchaeus received Jesus in his house and decided to change his life by his firm resolve to help other people and live in justice and truth, so may your Local Church, after having received Jesus, also share its joy of witnessing an authentic Christian life".
Cardinal Filoni expressed his satisfaction to personally live with the ecclesial community of Rajshashi this solemn occasion, bringing the greetings and blessing of the Holy Father, encouragement for the whole Church of Bangladesh in all its components. The Cardinal ended his homily by invoking the intercession of Mary, "may She be your teacher and companion along your journey as you move towards the fiftieth anniversary of your Church". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 11/09/2015)