The Diocese of Rajshahi held its annual Pastoral Assembly from September 11 to 13 at the Christo Jyoti Pastoral Center, drawing 208 participants including diocesan clergy, religious, and lay representatives.
The theme, “Christ-Jubilee: Participating in the Pilgrimage of Hope,” linked the local Church to the global Jubilee Year inaugurated by Pope Francis in December 2024.
The opening ceremony was led by Bishop Gervas Rozario, together with Father Sagor Corraya (Convener), Father Fabian Marandi (Vicar General), and other diocesan leaders. Representatives from Caritas Rajshahi and Holy Spirit Seminary were also present.
In his keynote message, Bishop Rozario emphasized that hope is the driving force of Christian life: “In the Christ Jubilee Year, we are reflecting on the theme of hope. Though not all hopes in this world are fulfilled, we continue to cling to hope. One day, we will experience uninterrupted joy and the fulfillment of victory.”
Father Corraya recalled Pope Francis’s opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, noting that this symbol of God’s mercy inspires Rajshahi’s own diocesan journey of renewal. He thanked the parish and institutional representatives for their active participation in the assembly.
The sessions featured reflections on the challenges facing families and communities. Mrs. Tagar Peris outlined issues such as poverty, illness, loneliness, family breakdown, and toxic leadership struggles that rob people of joy. Dr. Arok Toppo, Regional Director of Caritas Rajshahi, spoke on forgiveness and social responsibility: “Forgiveness is not optional, it is a Gospel mandate. Serving the poor, educating children, and standing by the disabled are ways we repay our social debts.”
Workshops and panel discussions invited participants to engage with the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter, celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Diocese of Rajshahi, and propose five parish-based action plans for the coming year.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the assembly’s practical orientation. Sister Binu Palma LHC said, “The sharing of experiences was especially helpful for our future pastoral work.” Lay participant Abraham Ekka added, “It is our responsibility to build strong families and implement parish activity plans to face today’s challenges.”
The assembly concluded with a call to continue the “Pilgrimage of Hope” in concrete pastoral action across the diocese.
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