Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Gracias and Archbishop Rodrigues is Appointed Archbishop of Bombay - Mumbai, India
Pope Francis just accepted the resignation of Card. Oswald Gracias as Archbishop of Mumbai.
Archbishop Rodrigues - age 57 - therefore now assumes the office of metropolitan in place of the cardinal who had led the Church in the great metropolis of Maharashtra since 2000 and who turned 80 last 24th December.
The official announcement by Pope Francis came just on the eve of the assembly that the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) will hold in Bhubaneswar in Orissa starting on 28 January.
According to canon law, the succession is immediate, but the archdiocese of Mumbai announced today that an official Eucharistic celebration in the cathedral to welcome Archbishop John will be held on 11 February, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In a video message , Card. Gracias expressed heartfelt thanks to all his collaborators in the archdiocese, including bishops, priests, religious, lay people and citizens of Mumbai. He especially thanked the presbytery of the archdiocese for their unwavering dedication and support during the almost 25 years of his tenure.
Acknowledging the Pope's paternal care and God's protection, Cardinal Gracias gave thanks for the grace and guidance he has experienced as pastor of the Church in Mumbai.
Speaking of his predecessor - whose auxiliary bishop he was before being called by Francis last year to lead the diocese of Pune - the new Archbishop John Rodrigues today said, ‘Card. Oswald Gracias was a giant man; now as his successor I will have very big shoes to fill'.
Already Card. Ivan Dias described him as a humble and attentive listener of God's Word, ready to do His will and serve when called upon. His excellent qualities of mind, heart, diligence and industriousness will serve him well in this responsibility that Pope Francis has entrusted to him'.
Source: Asia News IT
Comments