Cardinal Cleemis, India’s pride, say Hindu leaders

November 24, 2012: The consistory that created Cardinal Baselios Cleemis and other 5 cardinals, has been a proud moment for India. It is a historic moment, said Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, of Santhigiri Ashram in the southern Indian state of Kerala. He was speaking to Vatican Radio soon after the event in the Vatican on Saturday.
‘For every one of us who seeks peace, harmony and a spirituality beyond religions, it has been a special moment. And I am proud to witness such an event. There are people from various walks of life assembled here, there are also delegation of the Indian government, delegation from Kerala, leaders and representatives of various religious groups from India. More than a thousand people from India especially from Kerala made this ceremony a really memorable one. I consider it a sign of God’s generous grace to us, the Swami added.
Palode Ravi, a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, speaking to the Vatican Radio, after the Consistory said, that he witnessed a holy moment and that all Indians around the world can be proud of it. And I have seen here Indians from all over the world. Thousands have come to pray for Cardinal Cleemis and also receive his blessings. This is truly amazing and truly inspiring, Ravi added.
I thought it is going to a small ceremony where a thousand people might come to attend. I have never imagined to witness such a mammoth gathering. This event turned out to be a stage for world peace, a stage for noble human virtues. It reminded us to strengthen our human relations.