Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 17: 'Called To Serve', Cardinal Oswald Gracias' autobiographical memoir had its grand launch in India last week. After a launch of the book with fellow cardinals, bishops and priests of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) earlier on November 7 at the St John's Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, there was another memorable launch with Bengalureans at the Catholic Club on November 11.
The launch at St John’s was presided over by Cardinal Mario Grech, pro-secretary general of the synod of bishops. Other dignitaries present were Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and to Nepal, Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, vice president, CBCI, Archbishop Felix Machado, secretary general of CBCI, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal George Alencherry, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, all the bishops of india and Nigel Fernandes, CEO, ATC Publishers, the publisher of the book.
The launch at Catholic Club was organised by ATC Publishers, Catholic Club, Karnataka Goa Association (KGA) and Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA). It was coordinated by Caroline Lobo, member-in-charge, IBrowse Book Club, Catholic Club and compered by Shanti Peris.
The programme was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp by Cardinal Gracias, Dr Lucien Legrand MEP, professor emeritus, sacred scripture scholar at St Peter's Pontifical Institute Bangalore, Msgr S Jayanathan, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, Dr Richard Britto, rector of St Peter Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. Prayer was led by Fr Neil Santos, chancellor, Archdiocese of Bombay. It was followed by the book being launched by Dr Lucien Legrand MEP, professor emeritus, scripture scholar at St Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. The occasion also celebrated the 96th birthday of Fr Lucien Legrand.
First copies were handed to the authors present, Dr Charmaine Kenita D'Souza and Sharon Rodrigues (The other three authors being Ingrid Albuquerque-Solomon, Jacqueline Olivia and Peter Purdue); Anil Rego, M D, Brilliant Printers; Ricky Patel, president of Catholic Club; Silvian Noronha, chairman of FKCA and Ian Faria, president of KGA.
Nigel Fernandes took the distinguished audience on a journey of how the book came to be. Begun five years ago and despite the Cardinal's hesitation but convinced about the impact of his life and work on fellow Christians, the book written in an autobiographical format takes readers through the life of a simple Catholic boy born in an ordinary household in Bombay going on to become a formidable leader of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Gracias has had a considerable impact as a priest, canon law expert, a visiting professor at seminaries, auxiliary bishop, archbishop, president of the bishop’s conference for several years in India and FABC in Asia, member of important Vatican dicasteries and a highly respected member of the important council of cardinal advisors of Pope Francis that worked on the reform of the Roman Curia, launching the Apostolic Constitution, Praedicate Evangelium.
He also emphasised the great qualities of Cardinal Gracias - kindness, humility, compassion and the ability to listen - which have touched many so greatly. Further, he recalled how it was in the same auditorium in Catholic Club that ATC was inaugurated in Bengaluru in 1968 by the then Archbishop, Cardinal Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy.
The event then moved onto a tete-a-tete with Dr Marianne De Nazareth with questions that shed more light on the cardinal's personal and professional life, his interest in science, love for languages, his fight with cancer and personal relationships with the three Popes during his lifetime.
With this book launch of Cardinal Gracias, ATC Publishers are honouring stories of dedication, sacrifice and commitment at the highest levels in the church. Cardinal Oswald Gracias has through his exemplary life, his graciousness, humility and kindness, his mentoring and leadership of the church as a beacon in setting up renowned spiritual institutions, paved the way for the Lord's teachings to lead the church of India into the future.
Copies are available at https://joyofgifting.com/product/called-to-serve-pb/