With a message of love and peace for people in India and Bangladesh, the first Bengali Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church is on a visit to West Bengal after being given the rank of Cardinal-Priest last month by Pope Francis.
"I wish all the people of Bengal, both this side of Bengal and other side Bengal, both believers and people belonging to all ethnic and religious groups, the blessings and guidance of the Blessed Mother," Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, Archbishop of Dhaka, said.
The 73-year-old Holy Cross prelate is not only Bangladesh's first cardinal but he is also the first to be given the rank from among Bengali-speaking people.
After a solemn Eucharistic celebration with eight priests at the Bandel church, near the city, 200 faithfuls gathered for the celebration and received his blessings.
The visiting cardinal's entourage comprised around 40 relatives from Bangladesh and here including Bengali clergy from the Archdiocese of Calcutta, as well as priests from Salesian and Jesuit provinces of Kolkata.
"The visit of the cardinal is an honour and recognition given to the Bengali community that has a long history of over 400 years," prior of Bandel Church Salesian Fr T L Francis said.
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