» 01/23/2012 16:18 BANGLADESH First Santal bishop for the diocese of Dinajpur Bishop Sebastian Tudu, 45, is the first ethnic Santal priest to become bishop. Education, justice and peace, the "essential needs" of the community, Christian and non-Christian. Appreciating young people, because they are "the future of Bangladesh." His ordination will take place on January 27.
Dinajpur (AsiaNews) - Education and schools, but also justice and peace are "the essential needs of the people of Dinajpur. I expect a great challenge, there is much work to do. But with the help of the people and religious, this diocese will grow. And I with them”, says Msgr. Sebastian Tudu, the new Bishop of Dinajpur, who will be ordained on 27 January. Originally from Marianpur (north), he is the first Santal priest to become bishop. Msgr. Tudu, 45, is a young bishop, he did not expect "all this support and this great welcome. I was a little frightened, the episcopal vocation is something that you can not understand right away. But I depend on the will of God, and am in his hands. "
In addition to the Santal, the diocese of Dinajpur welcomes different tribal communities, like the Oraon, the Munda and Malo. For the most part they are Christians and Catholics, but are very poor populations, often discriminated against by the Bangladeshi and Islamic majority. "I am the bishop of all - says the bishop - without distinction. My vocation is to every community: Santal or other tribes, Christians and non Christians. This diversity is our wealth. "
"Being poor and marginalized - says Msgr. Tudu - education is one of the primary needs. The Church has always created and managed schools dedicated to those who did not have much ability to pay. Today, it is clear that more education and formation are fundamental for the development of society and Bangladesh. " Even so, says the bishop, "I want to pay particular attention to young people. They are often undervalued, but they represent the future of this country. We need to give them the opportunity to study, if possible, at university; this is our duty. "
Injustices, expropriated (or burned) land and assaults are frequent episodes in tribal villages. The dynamics are always the same: the Bangladeshi attack more or less undisturbed, the aborigines react, often without success, while their requests for help remain largely unanswered by the authorities.
According to Msgr. Tudu, "Justice and Peace" are "important issues. The tribal people are often victims, abandoned by society and the institutions which do not give them any support. The Church defends these minorities: so they may see their rights recognized, and understand that it is possible to live in peace and harmony with other communities. "
From October 29, 2011, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Dinajpur, Msgr. Tudu says he has "received incredible and unexpected support. I was frightened by this great responsibility, but the closeness of these populations and the religious orders have shown me, gives me the strength to start this mission. " (GM)
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