Fr Nigel Barret –
Mumbai, February 11, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Bombay witnessed a historic and jubilant celebration on Tuesday as the faithful gathered at the Holy Name Cathedral to welcome their new spiritual leader, Archbishop John Rodrigues, during a solemn Thanksgiving and Welcoming Eucharist. The event, concelebrated by eminent Church leaders and attended by hundreds of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, was also broadcast globally, uniting Catholics worldwide in prayer and celebration.
The liturgy was graced by the presence of distinguished prelates, including Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Filipe Cardinal Neri Ferrão, and Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. They were joined by Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, Bishop Dominic Savio (Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay), Bishop Barthol of Nasik, Bishop Emeritus Felix Lourdes Daniel of Nasik, Bishop Thomas D’Souza of Vasai, and Bishop Emeritus Alwyn DiSilva of Bombay. Adding a personal touch to the celebration were Archbishop John’s two brothers, Fr. Savio and Fr. Luke SJ, who concelebrated the Eucharist.
Nearly 200 priests from across the Archdiocese, along with religious sisters and lay faithful, filled the oratory, creating an atmosphere of profound unity and joy. The liturgy began with the reading of the Papal Bull appointing Archbishop John as the Coadjutor Bishop of Bombay, followed by Cardinal Gracias’ formal resignation, which officially elevated Archbishop John to the seat of Archbishop of Bombay. In a symbolic moment, Archbishop John took his place on the cathedra for the first time as the spiritual leader of the Archdiocese. He then blessed the congregation by sprinkling holy water, a gesture signifying purification and renewal.
In his homily, Archbishop John reflected on six key themes drawn from Scripture and Church teaching:
- The Church as Our Mother: Drawing from Isaiah’s imagery of Jerusalem as a nurturing mother, Archbishop John reminded the faithful that the Church, as the new Jerusalem, nourishes her children through the Scriptures and sacraments, fostering spiritual growth.
- The Law of Love: Reflecting on the Gospel of John, he emphasized how Jesus replaced old laws with the law of love, transforming and renewing humanity. He connected this to the Jubilee Year, urging the faithful to embrace God’s hope and grace.
- Hope in Suffering: Echoing Pope Francis’ theme for the World Day of the Sick, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” he reminded the congregation that suffering can also be a place of grace and spiritual enrichment.
- The Family as the Domestic Church: Archbishop John highlighted the family as the first Church where faith is nurtured. He prayed for families facing challenges, asking God to pour His love upon them.
- Acknowledging Imperfection: Using the imagery of stone jars, he called on the faithful to empty themselves of imperfections and be filled with God’s grace.
- The Call to Perfection: He urged all to seek God’s intervention in their lives, striving for spiritual perfection and discipleship, inspired by Mary, the first disciple.
Archbishop John concluded his homily with a summary in Marathi, deeply resonating with the local faithful.
On the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, Cardinal Neri led a special prayer of blessing for the sick, followed by Archbishop John Rodrigues blessing the inmates of Mother Teresa’s Home. This act of compassion set the tone for a day filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration as the Archdiocese of Bombay welcomed its new shepherd.
The welcome and thanksgiving service commenced with a poignant video titled Down Memory Lane, which chronicled Archbishop John’s remarkable journey—from his early years and vocation to the priesthood, through his service as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and Bishop of Pune, to his installation as the 11th Archbishop of Bombay. The video served as a touching tribute to his lifelong dedication to the Church.
The formal proceedings continued with speeches from representatives of the Archdiocese. Doctor Sister Angela Rodrigues spoke on behalf of the women and religious sisters, expressing their joy and support for the new Archbishop. Mr. Dolphy D’Souza of the Bombay Catholic Sabha represented the laity, echoing the sentiments of the faithful. In a gesture of honour and tradition, the dignitaries and bishops present were each presented with a shawl and a potted plant, symbolizing respect and growth.
Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, with his characteristic humor and warmth, reflected on the contributions of Cardinal Oswald Gracias and extended a warm welcome to Archbishop John as he assumed his duties as the Archbishop of Bombay. Cardinal Oswald Gracias then addressed the assembly, sharing his gratitude for Our Lady’s intercession at Lourdes and expressing his joy at welcoming Archbishop John as the 11th Archbishop of Bombay. In a heartfelt tribute, Cardinal Gracias traced Archbishop John’s journey, inviting all present to pray for him as he embarks on this new chapter of leadership.
Archbishop John Rodrigues then took the stage to address the gathering. Reflecting on the meaning of his name—Yohana in Hebrew, which signifies “God is gracious and merciful”—he expressed his deep gratitude for the vibrant faith alive in the Archdiocese. He acknowledged the tireless service of priests, religious, and laity in Mumbai and outlined two key areas of focus for his ministry:
- Faith Formation: Strengthening the spiritual growth and education of the faithful.
- Building Bridges: Reaching out to people of goodwill, especially the marginalized, to foster unity and compassion.
A special tribute was paid to Cardinal Oswald Gracias through a short video celebrating his dedicated service to the Archdiocese.
As the faithful of Bombay welcome their new shepherd, they do so with hearts full of gratitude and hope, confident that Archbishop John’s leadership will be guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us join in prayer for Archbishop John, asking God to bless him abundantly as he shepherds the Archdiocese of Bombay with love, wisdom, and faith.
May the Lord grant him strength and grace to lead the Church in Mumbai to greater heights of holiness and service.
