"My appointment as cardinal is a blessing, grace and recognition of the
Church in Bangladesh by the Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church. This
is an honor and a gift that the Holy Father Francis is giving to all
the people of Bangladesh and to the nation".
This was the Archbishop of
Dhaka, Cardinal-designate Patrick D'Rozario’s immediate reaction to
yesterday’s news that he has been appointed to the College of Cardinals
by Pope Francis. Visibly moved, he told AsiaNews: "I accept this nomination with such spirit and express gratitude to Pope Francis from the whole country".
The cardinal was born October 1, 1943 in the village of Padrishibpur in
Barisal district, into a deeply Catholic family. There is no doubt of
his contribution to the local Church: he worked in parishes, taught
moral theology at the major seminary of the Holy Spirit in Dhaka. He was
Bishop of Rajshahi and Chittagong, before becoming archbishop of the
capital. He is also the current president of the Bishops' Conference of
Bangladesh.
In a totally unexpected move yesterday in St Peter's Square,
Pope Francis announced a new consistory to be held on November 19, the
eve of the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy. On that occasion he will
welcome 17 new cardinals, including the Archbishop of Dhaka.
Cardinal-designate D'Rozario learned of his appointment while he was
celebrating Mass in Tejgaon parish. He was so overcome that at first he
was left utterly speechless. His emotion was manifested by tears of joy
welling up in his eyes.
After the announcement, even the Catholics of Bangladesh erupted in
expressions of contentment. Benedict Alo D'Rozario, former executive
director of Caritas Bangladesh, says: "We Christians of Bangladesh are
encouraged by the nomination of our Archbishop. In this way we will be
fortified in the faith and our Church will become stronger".
Cornalius B. Palma, a Catholic businessman, adds: "With the appointment
of a Bangladeshi Cardinal, Christians will be able to strengthen their
faith. The credit for this outstanding achievement goes to Catholic
missionaries".
Fr. Jacob Gomes, of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, reports that the country's
Catholics are "inspired by the elevation of D'Rozario to cardinal. For
this we give thanks to God. I have always prayed to God in the past to
give us a cardinal and finally God answered. "