Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "I learnt how to get the members of my community involved in activities that affect all of us. Thus, I became a reliable leader in accordance with to the teachings of Jesus Christ," said Edward Soren, a young farmer from the Diocese of Dinajpur, who spoke to AsiaNews.
As one of 64 lay Catholics from all of Bangladesh’s dioceses of Bangladesh, Edward attended the seminar ‘Faithful to the Church’, which was organised by the Episcopal Commission for the Laity (EP-LC) from 21 to 25 June in Dhaka.
Speaking to AsiaNews, EP-LC secretary Chayon H. Reberio talked about the seminar. "We want pastors, bishops, priests and nuns to learn more about theology,” he said, “ but we also want parishioners to have a mission, responsibilities and tasks so that they can play an active part in the life of the Church."
The first course was organised for lay people some four years ago with this in mind. Since then, more and more people have applied each year. “The results have been incredible,” Reberio said. “Those who attend the seminar take a much more active role at both the parish and national levels."
This is the case of Dipaly M. Costa, a Catholic woman from the Diocese of Dhaka. "After attending the seminar I feel I have a responsibility towards my church,” she said. Now “I want to be part of its mission, and help my pastor, following the teachings of Christ."