Pope Benedict XVI’s Discourse to the Bishops of Bangladesh at the Ad Limina Visit

(June 12, 2008) As successors of the Apostles, you are called in a special way to teach God’s chosen people, availing yourselves of the many gifts God has granted his community for the effective transmission of the deposit of Faith, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing the Bishops of Bangladesh on Thursday, 12^th of June at the Ad Limina visit. The Visit Ad Limina Apostolorum indicates the obligatory five yearly visits by the bishop of a diocese as a sign of his communion with the Holy See and in order to report on the condition of his diocese. The Holy Father expressed his gratitude to God for the growth and fervour of the Catholic community in Bangladesh, especially amid the daily challenges it faces, challenges of poverty and discrimination. He appreciated their efforts to ensure that their lay catechists are sufficient in number, well prepared and given due recognition by the faithful and stressed the need of catechists who play an integral role in preparing laypeople to receive the sacraments. The Pope said that their commitment to the Church is seen in the many vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated which their country is currently experiencing. The Holy Father called on them to be the promoters of harmony and peace and uphold the country’s noble tradition of mutual respect, tolerance and social harmony. Pointing to the recent initiatives they have taken in the field of inter religious dialogue, the Holy Father exhorted them to persevere with patient dedication to this essential component of the Church’s mission and invited them to be at the service of the entire human family, freely sharing her gifts for the well-being of all. Speaking in the context of the Pauline Jubilee year commencing at the end of the month, the Holy Father said: “Your presence is a sign that the preaching of the Gospel, which began in Jerusalem and Judea, continues to spread to the ends of the earth in accordance with the universal destination the Lord willed for it.” Finally, giving his Apostolic Blessing the Pope said, “As you return to your homeland, please convey my prayerful encouragement and affectionate good wishes to your priests, men and women religious, your catechists and all your beloved people.”