Tribute to Cardinal Gracias for his 25 years of episcopate
The archbishop of Bombay, who also chairs the Conference of Indian Bishops, was ordained in September 1997. For newly created cardinal, Anthony Poola, he “has a unique way of handling issues with a beautiful smile.” Like Mother Teresa, he serves and shares “love for the poor,” said Dhaka’s Archbishop Emeritus D'Rozario.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay (Mumbai), will mark the silver jubilee (25 years) of his episcopal ordination, which occurred on 16 September 1997.
Elevated to the Council of Cardinals by Pope Francis, Gracias is a point of reference for the Church in India as president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), which brings together the prelates of all three rites (Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara). He is also a past president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).
“Cardinal Gracias is an authentic Alter Christus and a great leader,” said Card Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, extending his best wishes to Card Gracias through AsiaNews.
“Your contribution to the Indian and the universal Church in the field of Canon Law, wise administration, work for peace, meeting people at all levels through amicable relations, rooted in deep spiritual insights, strengthening the CCBI, CBCI[*] and the religious in India are but a few of your achievements that the world will always remember,” added the prelate who was made a cardinal by Pope Francis just a few days ago.
“Cardinal Gracias is remarkable for his inclusiveness, his love, his understanding, and his compassion for marginalized communities. [. . .] He is highly intellectual, a great theologian,” and “has a unique way of handling issues with a beautiful smile and never to hurt anyone even if they are wrong.”
Speaking from Bangladesh, Card Patrick D'Rozario, archbishop emeritus of Dhaka, also spoke about Card Gracias to AsiaNews.
“Cardinal Gracias has his heart and mind, his concern and his involvement for families,” especially those in difficulty, explained Card D’Rozario, who is a former president of the Office for the Laity and the Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC),
“He is a person of 'spiritual dialogue', dialogue with God, with the whole church and with the people of God”; he is someone who “listens to people.”
For D'Rozario, the archbishop of Bombay brings back memories of Mother Teresa who in 1997 met Gracias for the last time a few days before his ordination.
“They both share love for the poor,” he noted. Both “were gifted with a unique 'simplicity of heart' and absolute trust in God's Providence. Both Mother Teresa and Cardinal Gracias are completely dependent on God and have tirelessly served humanity to show the compassionate love of Jesus."
“During the pandemic, the cardinal showed his special care through online Masses,” said Auxiliary Bishop John Rodrigues of Bombay, speaking at the end of a Mass.
“He kept in touch with relief workers and healthcare coordinators,” added the prelate, who is also the rector of Mount Mary's Basilica in Bandra. “Let us pray for you, dear Cardinal Oswald. We ask God to continue to bless you in your responsibilities.”
[*] Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Latin rite.
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