Chittagong has been elevated to Archdiocese by His Holiness Pope Francis on 2nd February 2017 and Most Rev. Moses M. Costa, csc has been appointed as the 1st Archbishop of Chittagong. The joy of this declaration was overwhelming. But the celebration was yet to be done. Archbishop Moses Costa, csc received the ‘Pallium’ from His holiness Pope Francis on 29th June in front of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This Pallium was invested on Archbishop Moses M. Costa by His Grace Nuncio George Kochery on 8th September 2017 in front of almost three thousands priests, religious and laity of Chittagong Archdiocese and also from other dioceses of Bangladesh.

The 1st Archbishop of Chittagong after being invested with the Pallium
Nuncio George Kochery investing the Pallium on Archbishop Moses Costa, csc (2)

 

 

 

 

 

Pallium is a circular band of white wool that is the symbol of the Metropolitan Archbishop and is made from the wool from the lambs blessed by the Pope on the Feast of St. Agnes. The wool from this lamb is used to make Pallium — indicating Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the Good Shepherd. In a way, the Pallium is a kind of profession of allegiance of the entire ‘People of God’ in the Metropolitan Province, (i.e. Catholics of Chittagong Archdiocese, of Khulna diocese and of Barisal diocese) to the Supreme Pontiff. In fact, Christ’s faithful of these Regions have been following loyally and devotedly exhortation of the Supreme Pontiff. The proof and recognition of it is the creation of the new Chittagong Ecclesiastical Province.

Washing of the Feet of Archbishop Moses Costa, csc
Procession to the church for the Sacramental Adoration

 

 

 

 

 

The ceremony began from the evening of 7 September through a fine reception at the cathedral for The 1st Archbishop of Chittagong Archdiocese Most Rev. Moses M. Costa, csc. His Eminence Nuncio George Kochery; His Eminence Patrick Cardinal D’Roazario and all the bishops from CBCB (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh) were present in the ceremony. Almost 1000 people including children, men, women, priests and religious from all over Bangladesh were also present in the ceremony. After the reception everyone participated in an adoration of Sacrament as an spiritual preparation for the Pallium Investiture Ceremony.

Sacramental Blessing- Archbishop Moses M. Costa, csc
Sacramental Blessing- Archbishop Moses M. Costa, csc
Archbishop Moses M. Costa, csc with other bishops of Bangladesh

 

 

 

 

 

The next day on 8 September 2017 at 10 in the morning Most Rev. Moses M. Costa, csc was invested with the ‘Pallium’ and took his oath as the 1st Archbishop of Chittagong Archdiocese. The Ceremony took place in the premises of Saint Placid’s School and College. There were present all the bishops of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh; 110 priests from all over Bangladesh, Sisters and brothers from different congregations and almost 2000 lay people. A holy mass took place afterwards celebrated by Archbishop Moses M. Costa, csc.

Procession in the Holy Mass
Bishops and Priests present in the Holy Mass

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening an inter-religious reception took place for Archbishop Moses Costa, csc in the Archbishop’s house followed by a cultural program in the premises of Saint Placid’s School & College. In his speech in the cultural program Archbishop Moses said, Chittagong is a diverse place not only in lands and nature but also in culture and heritage. There are many rural places in the Archdiocese where people are still cut out from the modern world. There are also many other challenges in the Archdiocese but the sign of Leadership capability shown by the laity and youths in the arrangement of this ceremony helps to strengthen the confidence in dealing with such challenges.

Inter-religious reception for Archbishop Moses Costa, csc
Congratulating Archbishop Moses Costa,csc

 

 

 

 

 

In the cultural program many spectacular performance where shown by the parishioners of different parishes around the diocese.

Presence in the Cultural Program
Monsignor Luca Marabese with the performers of CHT

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