Embark on a compelling exploration of faith and leadership as Cardinal Gracias shares profound insights in a candid conversation with Janina Gomes. Gain a deeper understanding of his trans-formative journey as a prominent figure steering the course of the Church in India.
- Tell us something about your early years and how you felt called to the priesthood.
I come from a deeply Catholic family. Family prayer was important, our parents taught us Gospel values and love for the Church. Besides, I had three uncle priests in Goa, so the parish fathers would regularly come to visit my parents. Also, I was deeply impressed by the life of Msgr. George Fernandes, (now Servant of God) who was my parish priest and School Principal for many years. He was much esteemed and loved by all the people. He actively encouraged me to join the seminary.
- As former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) what is the direction in which you led the church and what were your priorities?
Yes, I was very involved both in the CBCI and the CCBI, first as Secretary General of the CBCI where I had the responsibility of preparing new Statutes since St John Paul II had asked the Bishops of India to start a new Episcopal Conference for the Latin Rite bishops. Later, I was the CBCI Vice President for two years and then the President for eight years. My focus at that time was to strengthen the functioning and public relations of the CBCI: fostering good relations with the Government, with the other Christian Churches and with the Media. I had an efficient resident Deputy Secretary General and a united Staff, and we worked as a good team.
As for the CCBI (Latin Bishops’ Conference), I was the President for twelve years. Initially the CCBI had no clear self-identity, since the CBCI was already functioning effectively to the satisfaction of the bishops. The Bishops felt there was no need for another Episcopal Conference but there were some canonical problems so the Holy Father intervened. My specialization in Canon Law was a help. So I attempted to give the CCBI an identity with appropriate structures and to make it what the Vatican Council wanted Episcopal Conferences to be. There was now a new situation in India, we had the CBCI and the CCBI, two distinct episcopal bodies. It helped for coordination that I was for some time President of both – the CBCI and the CCBI simultaneously. I tried to ensure that there was no rivalry and competition as St. John Paul II had explicitly advised in his letter to the bishops of India. I am convinced that a strong CBCI is necessary for a strong CCBI and a strong CCBI is necessary for a strong CBCI. It would weaken the Indian Church very much if these two Bodies do not work in harmony. I am presently on a small task force appointed by the Council of Cardinals to study the nature of Episcopal Conferences and their future possibilities. Our Indian situation is truly unique. We have many challenges. This is still a work in progress.
- As former President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC) what issues were taken up at the Asian Level?
Asia is not homogeneous, and each country has its own special challenges. Being FABC President was a unique learning experience. I wanted the FABC to assist our smaller Churches. We did make a beginning! We also had the first ever FABC General Conference in Bangkok in October 2022. It was called FABC 50 because it was celebrated on the Golden Jubilee of the FABC foundation. It was a successful event and I think it could give a new thrust to the Church in Asia. I am sure it will help the synodal process and the synodal process will help the FABC. At the structural level I tried to ensure that the different Offices at the FABC collaborate with each other and have joint projects. This has still to be improved. Fr. Ray O’Toole was the Secretary General of the FABC for many years and worked much towards this. Plans were moving ahead for revitalization of all the offices, but he unexpectedly fell ill and never recovered. The FABC now has a good identity, and its voice is heard at the universal Church level.
- At the international level you are part of the 8 member Council of Cardinals, to assist Pope Francis, and help in the governance of the Catholic church. What changes in the church have you been part of at this decision-making level?
Our Council of Cardinals has been very active and meets with the Holy Father five times a year, with each meeting lasting three days. We discussed whatever the Holy Father wanted us to advise him about. He set the agenda. Specifically, we tried to see how the Roman Curia could be more at the service of the Holy Father and of the Bishops in the local Churches. We discussed in great detail about the functioning of the Roman Congregations, now called Dicasteries, and hence our Council made a contribution to Praedicate Evangelium. We discussed many important topics for the Church: evangelization, appointment of Bishops, transparency in finances, the media, etc.
- As a member of the Roman Rota and Member of the Congregation for Catholic Education, what have been your unique contributions to these bodies?
I discussed many canonical matters especially with the Dean of the Rota. We particularly studied how Tribunal procedures would be speedier and smoother. I am also a member of the Council for Legislative Texts and I look forward to seeing how we can bring Synodality into the Code of Canon law. I regret I was not able to contribute much to the Congregation for Catholic Education because I was on different Roman Bodies and the meetings of this Dicastery always clashed with some important meetings in Rome or back home in India. However, I represented the Dicastery at its Asian Meeting in Bangkok.
- As Bishop of Agra for six years, what were the challenges you faced in North India?
I was new to Agra and new to being an independent Archbishop. I was apprehensive because when I went to Agra it was my first visit to the place and I did not know any priest or religious there, nor had any idea of the pastoral challenges of the place. Would I be accepted in Agra or treated as an outsider? I had six very joyful years there. My priority was to establish good relations with the civic officials and the local people. There had been a bit of violence against Christians just before I went there and Archbishop Vincent Concessao, my predecessor, had a challenging time. Things gradually improved. Since Agra was a small Archdiocese, I had the possibility of trying new pastoral methods and putting systems in place. The Clergy was very supportive and so were the religious. We worked together with a common vision. When I was transferred from there after six years, I felt I should have stayed there a couple of years more to consolidate what I began.
- As Archbishop of Bombay what are your chief joys and challenges?
Bombay is a very established Archdiocese with all required structures in place, its set traditions mainly because of my very illustrious predecessors, Cardinal Valerian Gracias, Cardinal Simon Pimenta and Cardinal Ivan Dias. Each made his unique contribution to the growth of this Archdiocese. My comment on my first visit to the Seminary when I returned to Mumbai after six years in Agra was that it was too much an inward-looking Church. However, because of its long tradition it was difficult to change much. It is a big Archdiocese and I feel we should help the smaller churches more. CCBI’s “Communio” was born out of this desire. On the other hand, I regret that because of my many national and international commitments I was not able to concentrate sufficiently on the Archdiocese. I had, of course, good auxiliary bishops, competent and able to replace me in my absence. But I wish I did concentrate more on the Archdiocese.
- What would you say you have gained and learnt through your interactions at the international level?
I met the Holy Father often and I am very inspired by him. The more I work with him, the more I understand his deep spirituality and his vision of the Church. I enjoyed very much my interaction with my brother Cardinals: in particular the camaraderie, commonality of vision, desire to work for the Church and loyalty to the successor of St. Peter. It has also helped me to grow spiritually. I realize more and more it is the Lord’s Church which works so well in spite of our human frailty.
- What difference do you think synodality has made in the functioning of the Archdiocese in Bombay?
Synodality is work in progress. We had very successful preparatory meetings in the Archdiocese guided mainly by my Auxiliary, Bishop Allwyn D’Silva to whom I had delegated this responsibility. We will surely make greater progress in Synodality and have greater clarity as we go ahead. The Roman Synod in October 2023 endorsed what was done and gave us encouragement to continue. We will use the year ahead to have more programmes so that we get as many involved in the church as possible. I am hopeful and even excited about this.
- The church is today functioning in a hostile environment in India. What would you advise your flock to do in the face of so much violence and victimization?
I would not exaggerate the challenges. One must have faith, hope and trust in the Lord. The Lord has risen indeed! We must adapt all our Church policies according to local circumstances. There is so much we can do for the spread of God’s Kingdom. My advice is: Deepen in your holiness. Trust in the Lord. And continue to do your good work. Never get discouraged!
- Do you have any Christmas message for the Religious of India?
Christmas is a time for rebirth and recommitment, a joyful time. Since I am writing for the Magnet, I must have a message to the Religious. I wish the Religious in India and the Bishops worked more in deeper collaboration. I have been a bishop for a fairly long time. Collaboration was a challenge for us twenty-five years ago and remains a challenge even today. As President of the Episcopal Conference, I could have worked more for this. We are one Church. The Religious are doing such marvellous work with great dedication. Our bishops are committed and self-sacrificing. I know how good they are and how much they do. What a great impact it would make on the lives of many if we worked more in coordination. This is the challenge for both of us, the CBCI and CRI.
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Magnet is a good means for spreading the Good News and it could be a good instrument for ongoing formation of the religious. I have always found the articles informative, educational, and helpful for the apostolate. I thank the CRI and the Editorial team for all that they have done. God bless you. Do continue your good work!
Cardinal Gracias Speaks
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