ASIA/BANGLADESH - Re-structured church blessed in Chittagong diocese

Dacca (Fides Service) - Catholics in Chittagong diocese now celebrate the Sacraments in a newly renovated church blessed a few weeks ago at the beginning of April by papal Nuncio in Bangladesh Archbishop Paul Tshang In-Nam,. The restored church is in the parish of Padrishibpur, in the Barishal district, one of the first areas where Catholic missionaries settled. The original church built here in the mid 18th century 1700 was then renovated twice in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now it has been once again restructured to the joy and satisfaction of the local Catholics.
In his homily during the Mass for the blessing of the church the Papal Nuncio recalled that “the interreligious harmony which exists in Bangladesh a mainly Muslim country allows members of different religions to live side by side in peace”, and he recalled also the many messages received from individuals and organisations on the occasion of the death of Pope John Paul II and election of Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass, attended by a number of bishops from different dioceses in Bangladesh, was followed by a reception for the whole village about 2,500 people.
With 70% of its population living below the poverty line Bangladesh is one of the world’s poorest countries. Catholic institutions strive to help the poorest of the poor, those who strive to live on a handful of rice a day .
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/5/2005 righe 22 parole 231)