ASIA/BANGLADESH - Harmony Day: a culture of "taking care" as a way to peace

Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) - Today, May 28, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh is celebrating of Harmony Day across the country under the motto "Harmony in Brotherhood". The President of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, Archbishop Bejoy D'Cruze of Dhaka, invites all Catholic parishes, movements, schools and associations to celebrate Harmony Day with special initiatives. In a message on the occasion, the prelate invites the faithful to "take active care of creation, the earth, all living beings and human relationships". "At this crucial moment", he says, "harmony is vital. It is important to build and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and harmony between people and communities, and between people and nature. Covid-19 hits the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the elderly and children. In order to save people and our earth, it is important to ensure harmony and cooperation among people around the world".
In this context, the Archbishop recalls the theme chosen by Pope Francis for World Day of Peace 2021, "The culture of care as a path to peace" and writes: "The pandemic has taught us to take care and collaborate with each other. Almighty God after creating this earth he gave us the responsibility to take care of it. Instead of killing, God gives us the duty to protect others". "When we love someone - continues the text sent to Fides - we take care of them. Jesus Christ taught us that God loves us and takes care of us. God is the source of love. Jesus loved when he preached during his earthly life".
Archbishop D'Cruze states that "love of God and neighbor, that is, the spiritual and social work, is the mission of the Church. We love God, therefore we also take care of all his creation, according to a culture of respect". "If we establish a profound relationship of mutual protection with nature, and if we love one another, there will be brotherhood and peace in society", he continues. And he launches an appeal: "Let's remove conflict from our hearts and our words and become non-violent. Let's build a peaceful society and become peacemakers".
In this context, Father Patrick Gomes, Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, emphasizes that World Harmony Day is celebrated across the country with various liturgical and cultural initiatives, including the celebration of a Eucharist, interreligious debates, meetings and prayers. The general purpose is to promote better understanding between members of different religions and to share the values for fruitful cooperation in protecting the "common home". (FC-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2021)

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