Indian Bishops’ Conference greets new Indian President

July 24, 2012: For Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the president of the Bishops' Conference of India, the election of the new Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee, on Sunday is an opportunity to reaffirm "the values of a culture of life, peace and harmony, dialogue and integrity in public life" in the country. In a letter of greeting to the 13^th President of India, the prelate sets out the key points of the mission of the Catholic Church in the country, and renewed the invitation for ‘ongoing collaboration between Church and government in nation building.’

Recalling his personal meetings with Mr. Mukherjee, the Cardinal said that he was impressed by his leadership qualities and his concern for the country. Reassuring to the new President of the commitment of the Catholic Church in India towards nation building, he said that ‘we look forward to the continuous collaboration with the Government in nation building.’

The prelate called for renewed cooperation between the government and the Catholic Church, the mission among the poor and the marginalized. He also highlighted the endeavor of the Catholic Church in the field of education, saying that nearly 60% of the Catholic schools situated in rural areas. He stressed the need for education girl children and empowering women to live a life of dignity with self-reliance.

Speaking on the Health Ministry of the Catholic Church, he said that the Church focuses on serving the un-served, especially in remote rural and tribal areas where healthcare needs are the greatest. ‘This reflects the real meaning of the Christian life and mission: to be at the service of the last, the least and the lost’ he added.

The Church runs 788 hospitals, numerous dispensaries and centres for mental health, leprosy, tuberculosis, and terminally ill; in particular are those centres catering to people afflicted with HIV/AIDS. All these centres have been serving people irrespective of creed or caste without any discrimination.

The Church in India gives emphasis on the dignity and sacredness of the person, the core of the Catholic social teaching. Highlighting the Church's involvement in development and social projects in the country from water harvesting to establishing self-help groups, the prelate said that the Church has also entered, in a big way, into capacity building and empowerment programs.

The Church in India has been particularly concerned with corruption, and hoped that it would be addressed under Mr. Mukherjee's Presidency and eradicated.