The archbishop of Mumbai comments for on Pope Francis’ new encyclical: “In India we are very proud that in many of our homes the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is enthroned. “It is very important that we once again understand the significance of this gesture and our country will benefit greatly from it.”
Mumbai () – On October 24, Pope Francis published the fourth encyclical of his pontificate, «Dilexit Us», dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the strength of his message for today’s wounded world. On this new magisterial document we publish a comment written for by Card. Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai, who underlines its importance for a country like India, where this devotion is widespread among Catholics and is a source of inspiration for the selfless service that the Church carries out towards everyone and, in particular, towards the poor. and marginalized from society.
We are very happy about this encyclical. Catholics are very happy to once again have guidance from the Holy Father on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Many homes and families have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and this will give new impetus to encouraging people to understand the meaning of God’s love for us and our response to God’s love.
A quick look at the encyclical shows how we are to build a relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ love is for the poorest of the poor, he cares especially for the marginalized. This relationship is a step towards building peace and harmony. In today’s world there are many conflicts and struggles, there is a need for peace. In India we value peace. We value people and relationships. I think that in this encyclical the emphasis is not so much on structures, but on relationships, which are so important in caring for others. In this sense it is a welcome encyclical, which comes at the right time and for us it will be a help, a spiritual guide.
All our works of charity spring from the heart of Jesus. We touch their hearts and our hearts are moved and we touch the hearts of others. This is the source of all our works of charity and our attitude towards others. Once touched by Jesus, one can no longer be the same. His heart leads others and transforms us.
The Catholic Church in India operates about 25,000 educational institutions: schools (15,000), colleges (300), nursing schools (115), hospitals and clinics (5,000), rehabilitation centers (2,000), technical schools (1,500), colleges of medicine (6), two universities, as well as engineering schools and other social and welfare institutions.
All of our outreach programs are a response to the call of Jesus, an imitation of Jesus and, above all, an emanation of the love of the Heart of Jesus. There is an unavoidable duty to be close to everyone, irrespective of caste or creed. By showing himself as the Messiah, Christ came ever closer to the world of human suffering. “He went about doing good”, his actions mainly concerned those who suffered and sought help. This dialogue of action springs from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The health mission of the Catholic Church in India plays a vital role in alleviating the pain of the sick and suffering, especially the poor who cannot afford adequate care. The Catholic Church has 746 hospitals, 2,574 dispensaries, 70 rehabilitation centers, 107 mental health centers, 61 alternative medicine centers, 162 non-formal health centers and 115 medical training centers, including six medical schools. To these must be added 165 leprosy centers, 416 health care centers for the elderly, 62 centers for tuberculosis and terminally ill patients, 67 community care centers for AIDS patients and 60 counseling centers. All of them are works of love that flow from the Heart of Jesus.
The world needs a healing touch, to be healed of our selfishness, lack of care for others and lack of relationship with others. The entire encyclical Dilexit Nos is based on this.
In India we are very proud that the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is enthroned in many of our homes. It is very important that we re-understand the meaning of this gesture and build our personal relationship with Jesus.
In 2020, during the Covid19 pandemic, I led all the bishops of India in commending the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At that time we felt helpless and confused, and the act of consecration of India to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became a source of life and inspiration and gave us courage. I feel that the Lord has inspired and guided us all to emerge from the darkness of the pandemic and advance in service to the poorest, the emigrants, the dispossessed, the elderly, the sick and the lonely, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus He has always been with us.
This encyclical calls us to leave individualism and think only of ourselves, to go towards others. Dilexit encourages us to the dialogue of life, where in our multi-denominational and multicultural environment, all peoples strive to live in an open and close spirit, sharing their joys and sorrows, their problems and human concerns. No longer looking inward, but outward. Our Indian society has already progressed a lot. Our country will benefit greatly from this attitude. Interfaith dialogue will also benefit. We want to share the good news. We want to help others and work with others in an inclusive society. This applies not only to India but to the entire world. It’s not just me, my family and my religion, but we should all feel like a family. The Sacred Heart touches our hearts and our minds and makes them more open. We forget individualism and turn the self towards family and others. We allow ourselves to be conquered without reservation by the love that flows from his wounded Heart: through this encyclical, Pope Francis guides us towards it.
Dilexit offers us an important guide: “humble in heart” (Mt 11:29), in our work of service, we must have a meek and humble heart… Recognize the Source of our life, the gifts that have been granted to us. all, but also to each of us personally. We are called to communicate this gift to others through humble service to those in need, to bring healing and strive to build a more just, humane and peaceful society.
* Cardinal Archbishop of Mumbai
(Nirmala Carvalho collaborated)
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