by Sumon Corraya

Like every year, after the Ash Wednesday liturgy pastors distributed a terracotta piggy bank to parishoners: to put money aside during the period that separates us from Easter. The funds will go to charitable and social projects.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - In order to emphasize the importance of sacrifice during Lent this year after Mass on Ash Wednesday Bangladesh churches distributed terracotta piggy banks to faithful (pictured) urging Catholics to "save during the 40 days that separate us from Easter" and "use the money raised for charitable and social activities". This has become an established custom among Catholics in Bangladesh over the past five years.

A priest of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate and pastor of the church De Mazenod in Dhaka, Fr. Ajit Costs spoke to AsiaNews: "This gift is intended to teach the meaning of sacrifice.  We have given a piggy bank to each family, so that Catholics could save money together.  This year we have distributed 1,500, compared to 1,200 last year.  In 2013 we raised approximately $ 2,150: all of the money is used for social and spiritual development of the community".

Last year, continues Fr . Costs, the proceeds "went to St. Thomas Church in the diocese of Sylhet , which needed urgent repair. But part is also went to a Christian cooperative to build houses. This year we hope to collect enough to plan for a new church. "

During Lent, Catholics do not eat meat and many of them are content with only one full meal a day. Nirmal Gomes explains: "From the beginning we eat less and thus save a lot compared to the normal daily expenses. It is also a good way to teach our children the value and the meaning of sacrifice".

 

• BANGLADESH
• catholic
• church
• lent
• saving
• charity