October 1, 1943, marked the birth of Patrick D'Rozario in Padrishibpur, a location then within the British Raj and currently situated in Bangladesh. As a prominent member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he transitioned from local clerical duties to becoming the first individual from his nation to reach the rank of cardinal within the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
Early Formation and Ordination
D'Rozario pursued his religious education at Christ the King Seminary. On June 14, 1962, he made his vows as a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. His formal entry into the priesthood followed a decade later, when Archbishop Theotonius Amal Ganguly ordained him on October 8, 1972.
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His administrative career began on May 21, 1990, when Pope John Paul II selected him as the inaugural Bishop of Rajshahi. Bishop Theotonius Gomes performed the episcopal consecration on September 12, 1990. By February 3, 1995, he moved to lead the Diocese of Chittagong. His regional responsibilities continued until November 25, 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI named him Coadjutor Archbishop of Dhaka. He formally assumed the position of Archbishop of Dhaka on October 22, 2012, succeeding Paulinus Costa.
Cardinalate and Global Service
Pope Francis elevated D'Rozario to the College of Cardinals during a consistory on November 19, 2016. Assigned the titular church of Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi, he became the second member of the Congregation of Holy Cross to hold this rank. Beyond his local archdiocesan duties, he served as Chair of the Governing Body of Notre Dame College, Dhaka, and attended the 2014 Synod on the Family. On December 23, 2017, the Pope appointed him to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Retirement from Governance
In 2018, D'Rozario submitted his retirement notification to the Vatican upon reaching the age of 75. Pope Francis formally accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Dhaka on September 30, 2020. This conclusion to his archiepiscopal service followed eight years of leadership in the capital.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 October 1943
- Birthplace: Padrishibpur, British Raj
- Ordained Priest: 8 October 1972
- Appointed Bishop of Rajshahi: 21 May 1990
- Appointed Cardinal: 19 November 2016
- Archbishop of Dhaka: 2012-2020
- Education: Christ the King Seminary
Questions readers ask
Was Patrick D'Rozario the first Bangladeshi cardinal?
Yes, he is the first Roman Catholic cardinal from Bangladesh.
When did he retire as Archbishop of Dhaka?
He retired from the position on September 30, 2020, after reaching the age of 75.
