ASIA/BANGLADESH - Jesuits working in the country through variety of people and situations

Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) – Despite the high illiteracy rate and widespread poverty, natural disasters, and a weak government, Bangladesh is a promising country, with 2 million women of the lowest classes who, through their work of tailoring “prêt-à-porter” have brought state coffers the highest amount of foreign currency. According to information provided to Fides by the General Curia of the Society of Jesus, the first Jesuit community in Bangladesh began in 1994 with two brothers from Calcutta (India). Today, the Jesuits in the country are 12, plus 10 in formation and 3 more on the way, in 4 of the 6 dioceses and engaged in various activities. Father Aelred Gomes, Superior of the Jesuits in Dhaka, the capital, says: "We do pastoral work in traditional Catholic circles and in new areas. We teach in schools where the majority of pupils are Muslim or indigenous; we build homes for victims of hurricanes and run a center for human and spiritual formation, contribute to the formation of future priests, as well as that of the laity, youth, and adults. The commitment is, therefore, not only through time and space, but also through a variety of people and situations." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 9/4/2010)