In bearing witness to their action and thoroughly preparing priests and the laity in a Christian way, the bishops of Bangladesh can promote “tolerance, moderation and understanding.” Indeed, by “encouraging people who share important values to cooperate for the common good, you help to consolidate your country’s stability and maintain it for the future,” the Pope said. In receiving the bishops of Bangladesh for their ad Limina Apostolorum visit, which occurs every five years, Benedict XVI urged the prelates to take special care of all those who are put in their trust, who must be seen from the perspective of the witness that a minority can bear.
“I join you in giving thanks to Almighty God for the growth and fervour of the Catholic community in Bangladesh, especially amid the daily challenges it faces. Many of your people suffer from poverty, isolation or discrimination” and need spiritual support and guidance.
For this reason Benedict XVI expressed his appreciation for the special care the bishops have given to the preparation of priests and catechists who have an “integral role in preparing laypeople to receive the sacraments,” especially the sacrament of marriage, which is the “life-long covenant of faithful love and [. . .] a path to holiness,” one that is particularly important because of “the difficulty modern men and women have in making a lifelong commitment,” an issue he also raised in his recent visit to the United States.
Finally, the Pope insisted that the bishops must “persevere with patient dedication” on the path of interfaith dialogue, which is an “essential component of the Church’s mission.”
In fact, “much good can be accomplished when it is conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and collaboration in truth and freedom. All men and women have an obligation to seek the truth. When it is found, they are compelled to model their entire lives in accordance with its demands (cf Dignitatis Humanae, 2). Consequently, the most important contribution we can bring to inter-religious dialogue is our knowledge of Jesus of Nazareth.”
Indeed, “[d]ialogue, 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.”
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