Bangladesh’s Rajshahi diocese holds pastoral assembly, vows to be ‘responsible stewards’

The Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh held its 18th diocesan pastoral assembly on September 11 and 12 with the theme “We are the Responsible Stewards.”

“We all are the responsible stewards of God who is the creator of all things, of the world, including human beings and nature,” said Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi in his opening remarks. 

“When He created human being, He gave him the responsibility to look after and to take care of creation,” added the prelate.

He said it is “a matter of great sorrow that we human beings have failed to take care of creation,” resulting in the destruction of the environment.

“It is high time to be aware and conscious about our responsibility to take care of creation,” said the bishop. 

“We need to save the world that is like our mother. We need to be wise to take care of mankind and the other created beings. If we save our world, we shall be saved and our future generation will be saved,” he said.
 

He urged the faithful to plant trees to help the environment.

“There are 70,000 Catholics in Rajshahi diocese, therefore 70,000 trees should be planted in the diocese,” he said.

“We need to create a culture of love for creation by giving up the culture of death,” he said.

Augustine Rozario, a participant of the assembly from Mothurapur parish, said the pastoral assembly enlightened him to be more responsible for his family and for creation. 

He said he has been involved in parish activities for several years, and from now on he is going to be more active in pastoral activities.

Monika Baroi, a school teacher, said the theme of the assembly gives her a message that she should be a responsible mother in her family. 

“God has given us the responsibility to take care of nature,” said Sister Mary Celine, SMRA. The nun said that as part of her contribution to the Season of Creation, she would encourage more people to plant trees and to keep the environment clean. - Nikhil Gomes/RVA News