Cardinal Filoni at the Indian Apostolic Nunciature

February 14, 2013: As a part of his Pastoral Visit to India, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and papal envoy, Card. Filoni, marked the beginning of the 130th Anniversary of the establishment of the Apostolic Delegation of East Indies, when Pope Leo XIII appointed Archbishop Antonio Agliardi as Papal Representative, on the 25th September 1884.

Addressing the gathering at the Apostolic Nunciature on the occasion, he said that Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)is mostly known for his intellect, the development of the Church’s Social Teachings, in particular, his Encyclical Letter Rerum Novarum, and his untiring attempts to define the position of the Church with regard to secular thinking. He was also considered a great Diplomat.

“In 1884 having established the Apostolic Delegation of the East Indies, Pope Leo XIII passed on to establish the Church Hierarchy in India, through the Papal Bull Humanae Salutis, which was published on the 1st September 1886. During the past one hundred and thirty years or so, there has been an overall progress and increase, numerically speaking.” He said, adding “There has been progress in every field, among which it is noteworthy to mention the social and health services offered by the same Catholic Church.”

“This was possible due to the dedication and generosity of many Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and a great number of pastoral workers, including diocesan priests and religious together with the catechists and other lay faithful.”

“I must say that the Church in India is fortunate enough to be blessed with a good number of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Hence, it is in a good position to carry out the work of evangelization as a primary responsibility.”

“I feel that the Catholic Church in India has much more to offer to the Indian society at large. It already does a great deal through its educational, social and sanitary services. These are granted, but above all, it must bear witness to its faith, particularly during this Year of Faith we are currently celebrating. In this multi-ethnic and multi-religious context the Catholic Church in India through its different Ritual Churches, must provide a good example of unity in diversity, so that this country may flourish further in peace.”