Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) - "It is necessary to eradicate all forms of dehumanization in India; to put into action an effort to humanize the social, political, economic and religious structures and institutions of the country, taking into consideration respect for human dignity" : As reported to Fides this is the appeal launched by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) during the 30th plenary Assembly, being held in Bangalore until 8 February, on the theme "The role of the Church for a better India". In this session, the Cardinal was re-elected President of the Episcopal Conference, which includes all Indian Bishops: those of the Latin, Syro-Malankara and Syro-Malabar rite.
Among the forms of "dehumanization of the country", Cardinal cited "the oppression of women, discrimination of disadvantaged groups, the denial of civil and religious freedom to the people, any form of exploitation of human beings".
In this context, continued Cardinal Gracias, the specific role of the Church, to build a better India, is to guarantee dignity to the poor". The Church in India must be committed "by becoming a driving force in the effort to humanize the lives of millions of poor", giving "a good example to institutions, as Mother Teresa did".
Among those who gave an incisive testimony, the Cardinal recalled "the heroic example of Sister Rani Maria (in the state of Madhya Pradesh) and Sister Valsa John (Jharkhand): two womwn religious who paid with their lives the choice of siding with the poor and disadvantaged".
The President of the Bishops also highlighted "the heroic virtues of those who died for faith during the violence against the Christian community in Kandhamal in the state of Orissa." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2012)
