INDIA Tribute to Cardinal Thank you for his 25 years of episcopate

The Archbishop of Bombay, who is also president of the Indian Bishops’ Conference, was ordained in September 1997. In dialogue with the new cardinal of India, Anthony Poola comments: “He is a great shepherd capable of facing any situation with a smile”. The Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka, Card. D’Rozario says: “Like Mother Teresa, he has dedicated his life to serving the poor.”

Bombay () – Cardinal Oswald Gracais, archbishop of Bombay, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination, which took place on September 16, 1997. A member of the Council of Cardinals promoted by Pope Francis, Mons. Gracias is a benchmark for the Indian Church: he is the president of the Episcopal Conference of India, which brings together the prelates of the three rites (Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankar) and was also president of the Federation of Episcopal Conferences Asia (FABC).

Cardinal Anthony Poola, current Archbishop of Hyderabad and recently appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis, sends the Archbishop of Bombay his best wishes via : “Cardinal Gracias is a true Alter Christus and a great leader. He has contributed to the Indian Church and the universal Church in the field of canon law, wise administration and work for peace”. And also “to meet people at all levels, through friendly relationships rooted in deep spiritual insights.” In addition, he collaborated in “strengthening the collegiate bodies of the Indian episcopate.” All fruits of his apostolate, which will be remembered forever. Everyone acknowledges his love, understanding and compassion for marginalized communities. He is a great intellectual, a shrewd theologian, but he also has a unique way of dealing with matters: he does it “with a beautiful smile, without ever hurting anyone”.

From Bangladesh, Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka and former President of the Office for the Laity and the Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), talks with and adds: “One of his main concerns is accompanying families, especially those with marital difficulties. He is a person of dialogue, first of all with God, but also with the whole Church and the people of God: he knows how to listen to people”. D’Rozario associates the archbishop of Bombay with the memory of Mother Teresa: “Both have in common a love for the poor, endowed with a singular “simpleness of heart” and an absolute trust in the Providence of God. Both Mother Teresa Like Cardinal Gracias, they depend completely on God and have tirelessly served humanity to show the compassionate love of Jesus.”

In Bombay, Monsignor John Rodrigues, Auxiliary Bishop and Rector of the Basilica of Mount Mary in Bandra, addressed Card. Thanks at the end of the mass: “During the pandemic -he recalled-, you showed particular attention, through celebrations and other online activities, keeping in touch with the coordinators of aid and health care tasks. We pray for you dear Card. Oswald, asking God to continue to bless you in the responsibilities that you have”.