Oblate Bishop Bejoy N D’Cruze of Sylhet has met with all clergy and Religious working under him to map out a pastoral plan for his newly erected diocese.

The two-day meeting which ended yesterday was held at the De Mazenod Catholic Church in Sylhet district, 273 kilometers northeast of Dhaka.

Bishop D’Cruze, who was installed as Bishop of Sylhet on September 30, said it was a significant meeting since it was the first one in the diocese’s short history.

“I wanted to sit with all the priests and Religious to learn about their practical situations, problems and opportunities in the parishes and working places. Based on their sharing and suggestions I made some plans for the coming years and shared them with them,” the prelate said.

Calling Sylhet a good place for evangelization, he added that people in this predominantly tribal area are simple and of good nature, and it’s a good time to bring Christianity to those who are still animist or pagans.

However, Bishop D’Cruze also identified several major challenges in serving his flock in an area known for its tea cultivation.

“People working in the tea garden and hill villages are very poor, uneducated and landless people. They live a segregated life and it’s very difficult to unite them and work together,” he said.

The bishop revealed the diocese will put priority on education and formation of the laity to deepen their Christian faith through catechism and will arrange workshops and seminars for them.

Special attention will also be given to youth leadership, child formation, health care services and religious vocation promotion.

“In January we are going to form diocesan commissions to guide spiritual and pastoral activities,” the bishop said.

During the meeting clergy and religious also made suggestions to appoint members for the future commissions.

Those attending the meeting said the plans will realize a dream for a truly local Church.

“We have found new hope. Now we can work with full freedom to reach the people in need. They will be able to avail themselves of various opportunities that the Church can bring forth,” said Oblate Father Subash Costa, parish priest of De Mazenod Church.

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