“I hope I can better serve the Gospel,” says newly-appointed Cardinal Gracias
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – This is an opportunity to “better fulfill the Divine Service but also an honour, serving the Universal Church, and assist the Holy Father,” said Mgr Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai as he talked to AsiaNews about his appointment as cardinal which Benedict XVI made public at the end of today’s general audience.
Religious values “will be revitalised because as cardinal I believe I can better stress the importance of evangelical values and virtues which must permeate Catholics’ lives,” the new cardinal said. “I am very hopeful for India and Asia. I hope I can be a better instrument and achieve my goals to the maximum.”
At a personal level, “I am absolutely surprised,” he said. “This appointment came unexpectedly and now I feel very humbled by the choice the Holy Father made. I hope I can bring faith from the periphery to the centre of everyone’s life.”
Known as a tireless servant of truth, justice, freedom and love, Cardinal Gracias is inspired by two important figures of missionary Catholicism: Mother Teresa of Kolkata and Saint Francis Xavier.
From a certain point of view, a Mumbai Catholic told AsiaNews “based on his commitment, dedication and generosity, the new cardinal is close to the two champions.”
Cardinal Gracias is known for this untiring defence of human rights and is not afraid to take on political power-that-be. When India’s social, ethnic and religious tensions threatened internal harmony, the prelate openly called on the government to protect the weak and guarantee their development in order to build a just and modern society. Obviously his most heart-felt battle involves religious freedom in a country like today’s India that is increasingly intolerant vis-à-vis non Hindus.
Despite that the prelate has always promoted inter-faith dialogue. “Only this type of dialogue can eliminate potential causes of tensions and disagreements between the religious and ethnic groups that make up India. Dialogue is vital and fundamental. As Catholics we must celebrate the richness of the Word of God incarnate in our life, families and communities. This will help everyone.”
The clarity with which he proclaims the Gospel has made him a point of reference in India’s pluralistic society. “Evangelical values must permeate our lives,” he said. “In a world increasingly shaped by the imperatives of globalisation it is necessary to engage in a profound dialogue but one that is not impoverished by syncretism. Mutual respect must develop in light of one’s own charisma.”
Last April he launched “Save the Farmers, Save India,” a nation-wide campaign in favour of farmers burdened by debts and ignored by local administrations. At the time he told AsiaNews that “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's package has not brought a solution to the plight of distressed farmers across the country. Their rising suicide rate has become a national disgrace.”
Another priority for the Indian Church is the defence of life, one of Cardinal Gracias’ most heart-felt issues. Female infanticides, exploitation of minors, malnourishment among the poor are issues that he has always tried to put at the centre of the national debate, investing his time and those of the various Indian communities he has led.
In his pastoral activities, the archbishop of Mumbai has been close to issues dear to the Pope like Christ’s uniqueness, the tireless proclamation of the Gospel and the affirmation of the Church’s missionary nature. He has always reminded his priests of the importance of evangelisation, giving great impetus to the religious community of his diocese.
As chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communications, he has several times encouraged the media in their mission, urging journalists to be the conscience of the world.
“Today the media revolution is profoundly influencing language and social relations. The Church cannot ignore this fact; for this reason Catholic media have a prophetic role, speaking out against the false gods of materialism, hedonism, consumerism and narrow nationalism.”
Mgr Gracias was born in Mumbai on Christmas Eve 1944. He was ordained priest in the same diocese on December 20, 1970; appointed by John Paul II auxiliary bishop of Mumbai in 1997; and on June 28, 2000, became archbishop of Agra. On December 14 of last year he replaced Card Ivan Dias at the helm of the archdiocese of Mumbai. He will be elevated to the dignity of cardinal in the next consistory on November 24.
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