The Republic of India turns 60. A talk with Cardinal Gracias

(January 27, 2010) India has celebrated the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic and the entry into force of the Constitution on 26 January 1950. In an exclusive interview with AsiaNews, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and Chairman of the Indian bishops, reflected on the present situation and future needs of India in the context of the Church. As the Indian state begins to have increasing economic and political importance, he noted the role of the Catholic Church in the largest democracy in the world. Cardinal Gracias explained that the Catholic Church of India has always been at the service of the nation for nation-building. The key-message of the Gospel of Jesus is Love and Service; love of neighbour as of oneself and this love is to be shown in service. After the Government of India, the Catholic Church is the largest provider of education in the country. The Prelate continued saying that another big area of work is in the field of Health. The Church has a large network of Health Care Institutions all over the country, particularly in remote rural areas. He also spoke of Dialogue as another important focus of the Catholic Church, dialogue is indispensable and the Catholic Church in India continues to foster a culture of dialogue, to build bridges of understanding, peace and harmony between peoples of all caste, creeds and communities in our beloved India”. Speaking on environment the cardinal said that the current problems include the promotion of the environment, and the church is promoting its protection through personal intervention of the faithful and through the institutions.