Chittagong was upgraded to a diocese back in 1927. After nine decades, Pope Francis elevated Chittagong diocese to the status of Metropolitan Archdiocese on February 2.
Bishop Moses M Costa, 67, who served as the bishop of Chittagong for six years, was appointed as it’s first-ever archbishop.
He recently gave the Dhaka Tribune's Anwar Hussain an interview on different religious and social issues.
How does it feel to be appointed as an archbishop?
Upgrading of the Chittagong diocese is a matter of both joy and pride. It is a grace from God for us and a great responsibility as well. Let me clarify that we were not linked to the elevation process as the supreme head of the Catholics upgraded the dioceses after much deliberation.What is going to be your first course of action as the archbishop?
Catholic churches are run based on two main principles – collegiality and subsidiarity. So, we want to live here together like a body incorporating many parts.
I would like to set up a multipurpose centre with residential facilities at Chittagong Patharghata Church and will focus on preparing the next generation for an able leadership.Why did it take nine decades to graduate from diocese to archdiocese?
The upgrading of a catholic church depends on its maturity. Dhaka became a diocese in 1886 and it was made an Archdiocese in 1952. I think it did not take much time to graduate from diocese to Archdiocese.Do you feel pressured with your new role?
It is not about pressure. I am focusing on my new responsibility. The appointment has renewed my vigour to work even harder to help improve the socio-economic status of 35,000 Catholics under my jurisdiction.Why did you take the path of priesthood?
There are five missions in Gazipur's Kaliganj area where I was born. Many foreign missionaries would visit the area during my childhood, encouraging me to follow them as I started mingling with them regularly. Sometimes family bonds appear to be an impediment to performing greater duties. But it does not mean that unhappiness propelled me to this path of priesthood.Has religion lost its relevance in this strife-torn world?
Humans are not just flesh and blood. There is an innate divinity embodied in us. However, there are some bad apples everywhere. I reckon the religions have not lost their importance and relevance.Is it possible to live a moral life without religion?
We cannot deny the existence of God since the idea of religion is a built-in one among us. There are two great commandments – love your God and love your neighbours as yourself – which are inseparable.What is your take on the ongoing crackdown on Rohingyas?
We should not deny the existence of Rohingyas since the ethnic minority group has been living for centuries in the Rakhine state. We should lend them a hand. Bangladesh should mount diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to help end the humanitarian crisis.Does the Catholic community feel insecure especially after the JMB attacks on minorities in 2015?
It is a matter of concern that a number of Catholic bishops had been threatened with death over the last few years. The law enforcing agencies have advised us to stay safe.Are you worried about the recent rise of militancy in Bangladesh?
The cardinal principle of all religions is to serve humanity. I think a sense of deprivation and discontent is one of the major reasons for the phenomenal rise and spread of militancy in the country, which needs to be addressed through a spiritual healing. Cashing in on the social inequalities, the militant groups are leading the youths astray. We should engage in a constructive dialogue to find a solution to it.Radical organisations like Hefazat-e-Islam are clamouring for turning Bangladesh into a theocratic state. What’s your take on this issue?
I think fanaticism will not be able to take hold permanently since our country is a multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-racial one. We should believe in the slogan of ‘Unity in Diversity’. I think the distinction between religion and state will continue to exist.Pope Francis will visit Bangladesh from November 30 to December 2 in the first Papal visit to the country since 1986. What is your preparation?
The Pope is coming to Bangladesh with a message of harmony and peace, who will stay at the Vatican Embassy in Dhaka during his three-day visit. On the opening day of the tour, he will first visit National Memorial at Savar and then meet the president.
On the second day, Pope Francis will attend a Eucharistic Celebration, whose venue is yet to be fixed. Afterwards, he is supposed to attend an inter-religious meeting on the Kakrail Church premises, and wrap up the day's programmes by joining a student gathering at Notre Dame College.
On the last day, the Pope will pay a visit to Tejgaon Church and address at a gathering of fathers, brothers and sisters.The Archbishop of Dhaka has been promoted to the rank cardinal of late. Can we hope of having a Pope from Bangladesh?
Well, a cardinal aging below 80 can be a candidate and also a voter to elect a Pope. We should not be overambitious since it is a matter of divine providence.
