We need to be Genuine to Serve the Marginalised: Cardinal Gracias

(October 19, 2009) The Church is not a political party. She does not seek power and prestige. She does not seek an increase in numbers just for greater influence. She seeks only to serve, she seeks only to bring light, the light that enlightens the world and all men and women. We seek to become more and more like Jesus Christ, living according to His teachings, so that our lives become the message and that we become messengers – bearing good news,” said Cardinal Oswald Gracias. The Archbishop of Mumbai reminded the people that only genuine love would lead us to a dialogue with religions, cultures and the poor. Speaking at the conclusion of the Indian Mission Congress at the St. Pius College, Goregaon where he celebrated the Eucharist on Sunday, Cardinal Gracias said the Mahotsav, whose theme was ‘Let Your Light Shine’, was not just another seminar, training course or conference. “It was a deeply spiritual experience for all of us. It was almost like a retreat, spending four days in the presence of the Lord and hearing the story of Jesus’ presence in the Church in India,” he told the 1500 delegates from the 160 dioceses of India. “And so, we go back, now strengthened, transformed, edified with a deeper commitment – with an urge to go out and make a difference for Jesus,” he added. “We are aware that there is a fear of ‘conversions’, he said. The Catholic Church does not believe in forced conversions. The Church totally rejects forced conversions and it also insists that someone who sincerely wants to follow Jesus Christ as His disciple has the right to do so. Cardinal Gracias said Kandhamal in Orissa has been a bad dream. “The victims have forgiven those who inflicted harm on them. Christ teaches us to forgive. In conclusion, he said that the mission of the Church and its people were to go back to their diocese, religious congregations and seminaries to light the lamps of the lives of others.