Mumbai pays tribute to John Paul II 20 years after his death
The great pontiff who visited India twice is remembered with a Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus. “Pope John Paul II was a prophet, he showed a far-sighted vision,” Card Gracias told AsiaNews. He was “a popular figure for the Hindu community” as well since “his message recalled the urgency to protect personal integrity, and the commitment to charity and love towards all.” He gave “new impetus to evangelise.”
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – India today marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II, the Polish pope who visited the country twice – in 1986 and 1999 – during his long and historic pontificate.
In Mumbai, Card Oswald Gracias together with Archbishop John Rodrigues led a solemn memorial Mass Wednesday evening in the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus.
The celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the immense legacy left by Saint John Paul II, who led the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, emphasising his steadfast commitment to the Gospel, his tireless defence of human dignity and his unwavering optimism in the face of adversity.
This was an opportunity to pay homage to the statue of Wojtyla that has stood in the cathedral complex since 2011.
“Pope John Paul II was a prophet, he showed a far-sighted vision and worked tirelessly and courageously for 'human dignity', affirming it in every sector, inalienable human rights and religious freedom, his openness to other religions,” Cardinal Gracias told AsiaNews.
He “inexorably led us towards a 'civilization of love', inspiring others, especially young people, to live with joy and hope.”
Saint John Paul II loved India and repeatedly emphasised its great spiritual heritage and traditions. “He always told me ‘keep India’s traditions alive’,” the prelate said.
“In each conversation, the Pope always showed great appreciation and admiration for Indian values and was adamant that we should not lose them.”
Regarding his trips to India, the cardinal remembered that,“We recorded great devotion and amazing welcome in all cities. There was a great turnout by youth and strong attention to interreligious dialogue and charity.”
For “Christians and also people of other faiths, Pope John Paul had a strong call to respect human dignity and the role of religion in one's life, also in the public arena.”
“Like Mother Teresa, he is also a popular figure for the Hindu community: his message stressed the urgency to protect personal integrity, and the commitment to charity and love towards all, especially the poor.”
“He confirmed that Christ is the answer to the deepest anxieties of the human heart, and we received new impetus to evangelise.”
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06/08/2021 13:48
