Maria Gomes

The "distant" origins of Pope Bergoglio makes him even closer to the Asian people, because both are "far away" from the geographic center of the Church and theology. Hopes to see him soon in Asia.

At the Jesus Worker Centre the Missionaries of the Immaculate (linked to the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, PIME) help young people to enter the world of work. Key intervention in difficult cases. Recently, they prevented a woman from abandoning her son. Her partner did not accept that the boy was born from a previous relationship. Today, they are a happy family.

Five centres have been established in north and northeast Dhaka where the Brahmaputra flows into the Ganges. They have vocational schools and hostels to young tribal people who come to the city from villages to work in factories. On 9 May, the archbishop of Dhaka inaugurated a new pastoral region.

Maria and Teresa converted to Christianity to marry. But their marriages have proved unsuccessful: the husband of the first is a drunk and violent, and the second will not work. Both, however, choose to remain faithful to their men and to Christ. "A different love," says Maria, "which makes me happy."

Muslim leader first becomes Presbyterian abroad. After meeting a Catholic woman, he marries her and converts to her religion. Back in Bangladesh, he is totally rejected by his community. Despite the violence and social banishment, his faith remains strong: "I believe in Christ. I welcomed him" for "he is my saviour".

Changing from one religion to another is a complex process where often material and spiritual interests are confused. Islam is the state religion, but the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the conversions are generally accepted. Legal pressures for Muslims who convert to Christianity. Among the tribal at least 10 years of catechumenate, to ensure genuine conversion.