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".