Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) - "I have received a gift from the Catholic community. I am grateful. I will share it at Christmas with my grandchildren," says Maria Gomes, a 65-year-old widow, one of the beneficiaries of the Holy Rosary Conference of the Society of St.Vincent de Paul, in the parish of Tejgaon, Dhaka. Maria lost her husband and a son, and now lives with her daughters-in-law and grandchildren in a slum in Dhaka. In the gift package she received, there is a sum of money, a cake and 1 kg of rice. Another beneficiary, Raphael Biswas, who also lives in a slum in the old town of Dhaka, expresses his gratitude: "I am diabetic and cannot do heavy work because of my physical condition. I thank the Catholics of Tejgaon for their generous help this Christmas. May Almighty God bless you."
Like them, many others in need have received solidarity aid during the Advent season. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul supports many families in their basic material needs. The organization collects funds among local Catholics and distributes aid to those in need. Before Advent, the Society promoted a solidarity campaign and many Catholics responded generously. This effort highlights the spirit of generosity and compassion of the Catholic community in Dhaka, which, while preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, gives hope and joy to marginalized families.
“The faithful of Bangladesh are preparing to welcome the Lord Jesus with gestures of compassion and charity. As part of this preparation, we are collecting clothing and financial contributions to help the poorest, and there are many of them,” says Bruno Dias, president of the Holy Rosary Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Dias stresses that financial difficulties do not hinder initiatives. “We overcome them thanks to God’s providence, to charitable people and to organizations that come to support us,” he says. “Committing ourselves to this mission of mercy and solidarity brings us peace and joy, that joy that lies in giving.”
Elizabeth Rozario, one of the volunteers, adds that all this gives a deeper meaning to the Advent season. “Jesus Christ comes for all humanity. We are ready to welcome him,” she says. “During Advent, sharing one’s resources with those in need is a source of happiness.” Elizabeth is one of the people who have donated winter clothing to needy Christians who do not have adequate clothing for the cold season.
The mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to accompany the spiritual life of its members in the witness of faith in Christ, sharing fraternal love with those who suffer or are in poverty. The organization helps people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.
Father Joyanto Sylvester Gomes, parish priest of Tejgaon, praises the initiatives of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which has also donated 10,000 Tk (about 100 euros) to the parish to help the needy. “In my parish, people actively participate in charitable initiatives when asked. This is very positive and I hope it will continue in the future,” he says. The volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul “do an important job helping the needy in the parish. They take care of them and I thank them on behalf of the parish community,” he adds.
Along with active charity, spiritual preparation is not lacking among Catholics in Bangladesh. This is why the faithful approach the sacrament of confession and long queues form in front of the confessionals in churches. "For my spiritual life, I think it is essential to confess before Christmas, and I have done it," says Tanmoy Cruze, a 35-year-old faithful from Dhaka. (FC/PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/12/2024)
