From 24 to 27 July, the Bangladesh Diocesan Priests' Fraternity Seminar was held. The association wants to promote "healthy relationships" between religious and lay people in the parishes. Encourage collaboration to "increase Church activities".
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - At least 125 Bangladeshi diocesan priests participated in the annual seminar of the Fraternity of Bangladeshi diocesan priests (Bdpf). The gathering at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Dhaka, everyone concluded with a commitment for the coming months: working closely with lay people, who play a decisive role in disseminating Christian teachings.
Fr. Kamal Corraya, president of BDPF, affirms to AsiaNews: "The purpose of the Fraternity is to enrich our priests, so that they can serve more attentively in the places where they operate. Thanks to the association, everyone can achieve greater levels of cooperation, sharing and holiness. "
Fr. Uttom Rozario, from the diocese of Raishahi, states: "I understand that I have to work more with the laity of my parish." The church is located in the Pabna district and the priest reports that "most lay people are really active in religious initiatives. Unfortunately, there are also some Catholics distant from parish programs, and that is why I will try to establish more friendly relationships with them.”
During the seminar, which took place from 24 to 26 July, priests shared pastoral experiences of the last year, as well as the problems and difficulties in their respective areas. One of the participants states: "It was a great inspiration to observe older priests. I want to spend all my life as a priest, servant of God.”
Card. Patrick D'Rozario, archbishop of the capital and first cardinal of Bangladesh, stressed the need to foster the relationship between lay people and consecrated people. "My support goes to the fraternity of Bangladeshi diocesan priests," he said, recalling that "in these times there is a need for healthy relations with lay people, so that priests can serve them best."