Bangladesh’s first Santal bishop

(January 30, 2012) The Catholic Church in Bangladesh received its first bishop from the Santal indigenous tribe on Friday, with the consecration of Fr. Sebastian Tudu as bishop of Dinajpur diocese. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino presided over the consecration Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral parish in Dinajpur district, 400km from the capital Dhaka in northwest Bangladesh. About 11,000 Catholics including two archbishops, six bishops and some hundred priests attended the event. “I thank God for choosing me for this important duty even though I’m unworthy. I promise to work for the people in the diocese with love and enthusiasm, and hope the faithful will support me in fulfilling the needs of the diocese,” said the young bishop of 44 after the ordination. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on October 29 last year, after Bishop Moses Costa was transferred to Chittagong diocese in April.