Sylhet (AsiaNews) - The Diocese of Sylhet held its third pastoral meeting on 15-18 October in Lokhipur parish. The seminar focused, among other things, on the reality of the Christian family as well as on the problems couples and marriage face every day, this at a time of challenges and dangers, including the global financial crisis.
Sylhet is a new diocese that was created on 30 September 2011 from the Archdiocese of Dhaka. Mgr Bejoy D'Cruze is the current bishop. This year's diocesan assembly centred on Gospel preaching in the family, the clergy and consecrated life with the participation of 112 people, including priests, nuns and lay people.
The event was held to coincide with the end of the Synod on the Family in Rome, whose final message was one of "admiration and gratitude" for the unions that follow Christ who is "The Way, the Truth and the Life".
Speaking before the assembly, the bishop said that "love" is the basis of a happy family, adding that "husband and wife should respect and love each other."
Mgr Bejoy D'Cruze went on to explain that the Gospel is a mysterious force that must be shared with everyone, for it can "solve" the challenges families face.
Fr Mintu Palma analysed the challenges of married life, stressing that mankind's roots lie in the family, which must be protected from dangers and threats.
In the diocese, marriage is one the most sensitive issues, especially among tribals who still practice so-called social unions.
In this part of the country, the Church is committed to education. One of its task is to explain - especially young people - the duties, responsibilities and values that underlie a Christian union.
During the meeting, one of the topics discussed was the ongoing economic crisis - which is affecting families - and how micro-credit can help overcome it in each village and parish.