India’s Vice President praises Christian Community

December 21, 2012 - The Vice President of India has lauded the Christian community’s contribution to the nation. Hamid Ansari said Christ’s message of peace and compassion are perennial values for all mankind. He was the chief guest of the Christmas celebrations organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) at its headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday. Several Union Ministers, members of parliament and persons from religious and civil leadership were present at the Christmas gathering. In his message, Ansari recalled the perennial values of Jesus Christ, whom Gandhiji described as the “greatest teacher of all times”. Christ’s teachings and message represent the fundamental human values of unity, peace, and respect for everyone, compassion for the poor and selfless sacrifice, he noted. He wished all the citizens of the country, particularly the Christian community the peace of Christ’s birth. He recited the poem "Christmas Bells" by the 19th century US poet H.W. Longfellow, which recalls Christ’s birth at Bethlehem and the “peace on earth and good will to everyone” he offers. The vice president as well as the CBCI also congratulated the Cardinal Cleemis Mar Baselios, the head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, whom Pope Benedict XVI elevated to the rank of cardinal on Nov. 24. Cardinal Baselios is also the Vice President of the CBCI. CBCI President Cardinal Oswald Gracias congratulated Cardinal Baselios and described his elevation to the high office in the Church by Pope Benedict XVI as recognition of his personal qualities as well of the Syro Malankara Church itself. He recalled the contribution of the former heads of the Syro Malankara Church who made distinct contribution to the witness of unity and service in the church and the country. Cardinal Oswald noted that Cardinal Cleemis is the youngest cardinal in the universal Church.
Cardinal Baselios while thanking everyone for their words of appreciation and congratulation said, he and said all of us are proud to be citizens of a great nation. He prayed for peace amity in the country and among all the people. He said the Church is committed to the call of Lord Jesus Christ to sever all the people of the country.
In his Christmas message, Cardinal Oswald Gracias said inspite of many situations of conflict and violence, poverty and economic crisis, the message of Christmas and the peace of Christ should make us focus on peace, joy and hope. Christ’s birthday is reminder of how much God loves us, he said.
Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, Apostolic Nunico to India, in his Christmas message said Christmas must help us rediscover the gift of faith. Quoting Pope Benedict‘s World Peace Day Message, he said, everyone must cultivate a passion for good.