Cardinal Gracias a Jubilee to commemorate John Paul II’s visit to India
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - India is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the visit of Pope John Paul II. The anniversary will be commemorated with a series of events across the country, including the blessing of the statue of John Paul II in New Delhi at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and Nunciature and the Holy Name Cathedral in Mumbai. AsiaNews interviewed Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India on the significance of the event and celebrations.
To commemorate the historic anniversary, Pope Benedict has sent Msgr. Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop emeritus of Westminster (UK).
"Pope Benedict XVI - says Cardinal Gracias. - shows his love for India and for his predecessor John Paul II, sending a papal legate for our commemoration of the visit of Pope Wojtyla. "
"Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II have different styles, but among them there is an important continuity of message."
"The message of Pope John Paul II is also of relevance today, and the Jubilee is a good opportunity to give thanks to God for the Holy Father for his pontificate and especially for the Church in India and for the message and values that he brought and made when he came. "
"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. " He "inexorably led us towards a 'civilization of love', inspiring others, especially young people, to live with joy and hope."
"Now more than ever, India needs religious freedom. We need to make religion part of our daily lives, both personal and public. " "Cardinal O'Connor will preside at an interfaith gathering at the Somaiya College, Mumbai, on 'Decline of morals and the importance of religion in supporting public morality and the reintroduction of righteousness into public life'."
"Pope John Paul II appointed me bishop, then archbishop. I met him several times when I was a student and when I was a priest, I have always felt very close to him and he was always a source of inspiration for me: the way in which he lived, his courage in sickness". "During his illness, the Pope has given his best to the Church and society, he was a powerful witness of suffering that redeems."
"Every time I'm in Rome, I always kneel to pray at the tomb of Pope John Paul II .... I pray for India, for the Church, for our country and our people, and the love and closeness I feel towards him help me talk and help spread the Church in India ".
“The Holy Father loved India and repeatedly emphasized the great spiritual heritage and tradition of India. He always told me “keep India’s traditions alive”. In each conversation, the Pope always showed great appreciation and admiration for the Indian values and was adamant that we should not loose them”.
"For the Jubilee, there will be a Mass concelebrated with a short march on the theme 'Youth', the theme chosen for the meeting with the Pope 25 years ago. The commemoration of this jubilee will allow us to keep the message of John Paul II alive in the hearts of the world: 'Open your hearts to Christ".
(In the picture: a moment of the visit of Pope John Paul in India)
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