Thursday, November 30, 2017

Arrival in Dhaka

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father from Myanmar to Bangladesh landed at 3:00pm local time (4:00am EDT today) at the International Airport in Dhaka.


Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Bangladesh, Mister Abdul Hamid.  Then, two children dressed in traditional clothing offered flowers and a vase of earth to the Holy Father who blessed them in return.  Some political and civil authorities were also in attendance, as were 10 Bishops from various dioceses in Bangladesh, a group of the faithful and 40 children who performed traditional dance.

After the national anthems had been played, the members of the respective delegations were introduced to each other.

At the conclusion of the welcoming ceremonies, the Holy Father departed while other traditional dances were being performed.  He travelled by car to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.


At 4:00pm local time (5:00am local time EST), the Holy Father, Pope Francis paid a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.  Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by some civil authorities who escorted him to the Monument where there was a Guard of Honour waiting.


The Pope laid a wreath of flowers at the Memorial and then as he made his way back from the Memorial, he signed the Golden Book and planted a tree in the Garden of Peace.  Finally, he transferred by car to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum where he paid homage to the Father of  the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.


Homage to the Father of the Nation
and signing of the Golden Book at the
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum

At 4:45pm local time (5:45am EST), the Holy Father, Pope Francis paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Muijibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.  Upon his arrival, His Holiness was welcomed by a few relatives of the Father of the Nation.  After having laid a floral wreath, the Pope paused in silent prayer and finally signed the Golden Book.


The Holy Father then travelled by car to the Presidential Palace to pay a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Bangladesh.

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