Cardinal Czerny among migrants and internally displaced in Bangladesh

The prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on a five-day pastoral visit to the country. In Narayanganj, he shared a meal with 600 displaced Christians. One of them said: ‘He testified that we can turn to God despite the difficulties.’ Meetings with the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar, street children and leaders of other religions are planned.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Yesterday, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited the Peter Bhaban Credit Union Centre in Modonpur, Narayanganj, near Dhaka, where he prayed and shared a meal with about 600 internally displaced Christians. The meeting was accompanied by testimonies and spiritual encouragement from the cardinal, who urged them to remain steadfast in their faith despite adversity.

‘The Pope's representative came to us: he is a great source of inspiration,’ said Ripon Halder, a 37-year-old worker and spiritual leader, reflecting on the visit of the Canadian-born cardinal. ‘He testified that we can turn to God even in difficult times. Our life as migrants is difficult. Sometimes we eat in the morning, but we go to bed hungry at night,’ he added. ‘However, it is possible to pray together, share what little we have and educate our children.’

Cardinal Michael Czerny arrived in Bangladesh on 1 November for a five-day pastoral visit, his first to the country, one of those most affected by the phenomenon of migration. Upon arrival, a welcome ceremony was held at the residence of the Archbishop of Dhaka, Mgr Bejoy Nicephorus D'Cruze, where he was greeted with flowers and warm words: ‘Your presence is a blessing for the Catholic community in Bangladesh. I believe it will encourage us to work more actively for inclusive human development.’

Speaking to AsiaNews during the reception, Cardinal Czerny said: "I am very happy to be here in Bangladesh. This is a pastoral visit to meet the Church, its leaders and, above all, the people it serves: migrants, street children and those who need God's mercy and consolation.‘

He emphasised that the theme of his visit is hope, in line with the current jubilee year. ’We are all pilgrims of hope," he said. ‘I have come to see how the Church in Bangladesh is walking towards greater hope, and how the global Church can support this journey,’ he continued.

During his homily at Mass yesterday, 2 November, Cardinal Michael Czerny drew a parallel between the difficulties of migrants and the biblical journey of the Israelites. Quoting Psalm 91, he said: ‘God, through his Spirit, guides and watches over every step of our journey, especially the most uncertain or difficult ones.’ He then spoke of ‘three movements of the Holy Spirit.’ ‘Our going out to others to bring salvation; God bending down to fill us with love; and divine companionship on life's journeys, guided silently and effectively by Him.’

Fr Ajit Victor Costa, who has been working with displaced people in Modonpur since 2017, spoke of the difficulties faced by migrant families. ‘Those who leave their families live in anxiety and uncertainty. Those who bring their families with them often suffer discrimination in rented accommodation,’ he explained. ‘Wives and children, especially girls, suffer abuse at home, on the streets and at school. The education of children is also a major challenge.’

In addition to meeting with displaced communities, the Jesuit cardinal's visit to Bangladesh includes meetings with the Rohingya refugee community in Cox's Bazar, street children and indigenous peoples. He will also meet with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB), its Justice and Peace Commission, and other leaders, both Christian and of other religions.

Born in the former Czechoslovakia in 1946 and raised in Canada, Michael Czerny is a Jesuit who was created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. He currently heads the dicastery responsible for global issues such as migration, climate change, poverty and humanitarian crises. He is accompanied on his trip to Asia by Fr Joseph Savarimathu, his secretary, and Francesca Dona, regional coordinator for the continent.

The cardinal's visit aims to promote climate justice, ethical leadership and spiritual reflection, while conveying solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. His presence can draw international attention to the country's pressing challenges, including climate vulnerability, refugee crises and poverty. In addition, it also aims to strengthen relations between the Church and local institutions in promoting education, healthcare and social justice, fostering interfaith dialogue and instilling hope among different communities.

For migrants like Ripon Halder, the cardinal's message struck a deep chord. ‘He taught us not to embrace drug addiction, not to use plastic, and to give our children a good education. His words were full of wisdom and love.’ As the Cardinal continues his journey in Bangladesh, his presence serves as a reminder that the Church stands alongside marginalised people, offering not only help but also hope rooted in faith.