IT News
Mumbai, Dec 26
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai, stressed on the importance of having an inter-religious dialogue, and the responsibilities that come with being “men of service” on the occasion of Christmas.
Addressing the media, on the occasion of Christmas, Gracias, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, said that up till now he held multiple offices and realised that it was important to be men of service and have faith in God, no matter which religion we belonged to. “There are many challenges and one might be pressured to do the wrong thing, but in such cases, it is important to do what is right. If you appease people, then you will repent later”, he added.
On the political turmoil in the country over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), he said, “Religion should never be made a dividing factor. I am very keen on inter-religious dialogue between people of different faiths which will knock off any prejudices and eventually help, understand and appreciate each other. I want the Catholic community to be at the forefront of this to build bridges.”
Reacting to the anti-CAA protests, he said, “Violence is not right. A continuous discussion must take place. The students should be ready to come forward and discuss their difficulties, and the government should be willing to engage. The government wants a better India and if after reflection, if they feel that they have committed a mistake, then there is no harm in backtracking. We need to look at the larger picture.”
“If we truly feel strongly about India, then we must work for the country, to the point of being ready to sacrifice for it. Therefore, the most important part is that of reflection and exchange of ideas. Reading and knowing the thoughts of others helps one’s own thoughts to mature and will conceptualise a better India.This is what should be our priority,” the Archbishop said.
The Cardinal celebrated his 75th birthday, at the Cathedral of the Holy Name at Colaba, in South Mumbai, which is the seat of the Archbishop and the ‘Mother Church’ of the Archdiocese, on X Mas day, amid followers, friends, well-wishers and parishioners.
