Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, Archbishop of Dhaka, Bangladesh, offered words of thanksgiving following Holy Mass and Priestly Ordination with Pope Francis in the Suhrawardy Udyan Park in Dhaka, on December 1, 2017.
Here are his words:
Most Holy Father,
You love Bangladesh. You have expressed that love in many ways, your love has given joy to the People, to the “Little Flock” that we are as Christians. Your love has drawn the people from all over Bangladesh. They have come to express their love and their joy by celebrating the Eucharist in communion with you, the head of the pilgrim Church on earth. The Christian Community in Bangladesh is privileged to have this wonderful communion with you in our common pilgrimage. We are so grateful to you. Thank you, Holy Father.
The place where we have just celebrated the Holy Eucharist is historical in so many ways. On this ground the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, gave his world-famous speech of March 7, 1971, calling for the Independence of Bangladesh. On this very ground, we Christians have celebrated for the first time the Holy Eucharist, making the ground more meaningful and symbolizing the special role of the Church in this Nation.
Like your Predecessor of Holy Memory, Pope John Paul II, now a Saint, you have ordained sixteen young men to the priesthood. How happy and fortunate they are, experiencing a memorable and graceful event today, which will be lasting in their own lives and that of the Church in Bangladesh. Together with these new priests we thank you Holy Father.
The first Pope coming to this land was Pope Paul IV in November 26, 1970, especially to express his love and mercy to the victims of the unprecedented tidal deluge which took away lives of about 3 million people. You have also come to show your love and care to all those who need most. The entire Christian Community of Bangladesh and those present here, sincerely and lovingly wish that your pastoral visit will bring an abundance of blessings to the Church and to the entire nation.
Thank you, Holy Father!
