Compassion towards refugees and support to the vulnerable like sexually-abused children and violence-hit women is the focus of Cardinal Oswald Gracias’s Christmas message this year.
The Archbishop of Bombay, who is one of the eight advisers to Pope Francis, has asked community members to assist and welcome the vulnerable so that they can have a better future.
“Where God is born, hope is born; and where hope is born, persons regain their dignity. Yet even today, great numbers of men and women are deprived of human dignity, and like the child Jesus, suffer cold, poverty and rejection. May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable, especially children who are abused, women who suffer violence, and the victims of human trafficking, drug trade, and wars, who are forced into exile and free as refugees,” said Cardinal Gracias.
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“May Christmas remind us that we too are called, both individuals and states, to generously work to provide assistance and welcome the numerous migrants and refugees, and help them build a dignified future for themselves and their dear ones, and integrate in society,” he said.
Father Warner D’souza, head of Archdiocesan Heritage Museum, Mumbai, said the Archbishop has always touched upon the most relevant topics. “Last year, his Christmas message focused on the environment. This year, he has spoken about refugees and migrants because those have largely been a cause of concern,” said Father D’souza, adding that Cardinal Gracias has been emphasising the problems of migrants for a very long time and has also held masses and outreach programmes for them.
Last year, he had celebrated Christmas by having lunch with migrant families and offering them Christmas gifts. This year, he will have brunch with 20-odd rag pickers and their families at the Archbishop House in Colaba and offer them Christmas gifts as well.
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Some community members felt that Cardinal Gracias’ message seems tailored for the Catholic world view and a local focus is the need of the hour.
“I am not sure if many Catholics in Europe, burdened and troubled by the refugee influx from war-torn Syria, will agree with his view on refugees,” said community member Anil Joseph. The Mumbai laity would seek an assurance to stem the rot within, he said.
“Paedophilia, misconduct, and misappropriation of church properties are some of the important issues here. These would have been in line with Pope Francis’ views where he exhorts each community to think global but act local,” said Mr. Joseph.