A Tribute to Cardinal Ivan Dias

Following is an article by His Grace Bishop Thomas Dabre, Bishop of Poona and Chairman of NBCLC, sharing his reflections on the late Cardinal Ivan Dias, former Archbishop of Bombay.

Dear Friends,

Bishop Thomas Dabre, Poona Diocese

In truth I have been wanting to write on His Eminence Cardinal Ivan Dias, who passed away on 19th June this year. I have been too busy with too many things. Therefore, I could not put my thoughts together, to write on Cardinal Ivan Dias.

Today, I found the time to share my feelings and thoughts on him. I have always felt deep loyalty and gratitude to him, because as soon as he was appointed Archbishop of Bombay in 1997, he started preparing files for the Vatican to carve out Vasai as an independent Diocese from Bombay.

He put his Seal on the dossier, which was accepted by Pope John Paul II, who permitted the creation of a new and independent Diocese of Vasai.

For this reason Diocese of Vasai will always remain grateful to him. Also I am aware that Pope John Paul II, appointed me to be the first Bishop of Vasai, because of the willing and enthusiastic recommendation of the then Archbishop Ivan Dias. I was very happy to be the Bishop of Vasai. Therefore, I feel especially indebted to him.

I feel a lasting gratitude to Cardinal Dias for his special attention to me. From 1998- 2006 I was chairman of the two Indian Bishops’ Conferences for Theology and Doctrine of Faith. He took a keen and personal interest in the functioning of these two important commissions, guided and encouraged me. He would manifest explicit appreciation of my independent and courageous stands. He would graciously introduce me as a theologian Bishop.

Functioning as a Bishop is not a bed of roses. In times of difficulty Cardinal Ivan would always pick up a phone and would say to me, “courage.” He certainly was a good and noble hearted Bishop. And so I showed my gratitude to him by visiting him in a hospital in Rome and later went from here in Pune, India to attend his funeral in Rome which was conducted by Cardinal Sodono and concluded by Holy Father Pope Francis.

He was a Prelate of outstanding talents and achievements. He had a keen and sharp intellect. He could easily size up, weigh and evaluate men, matters and events quite accurately. His judgments were rational, logical, perceptive and never emotional or prejudiced.

With him what is ‘A spade is a spade’. He was a warm and affectionate human being. He had his friendships and bonds with people, but he was never influenced when it came to taking positions and decide matters. This was my experience too.

The two of us had very good personal equations, but he never wavered in giving his decisions to me in a forthright manner. Honestly, I did find some of his decisions quite strong and unexpected. But that is how he functioned. His appreciation and affection for me remained unchanged. He would introduce me to Pope John Paul II and other Church dignitaries in a surprisingly generous manner. It was quite touching.

Pope Benedict XVI, appointed him Prefect (President of the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples). He did that job in a very impartial manner. Though an Indian he never did any special favours to Indians. He had a flair for languages. He knew European, Indian, African and Far Eastern Asian languages. He was a person of deep piety, prayer, contemplation and sanctity.

His Episcopal motto was ‘SERVUS’ which means a servant (of Christ). His spiritual humility was quite inspiring. He had a special devotion to Mother Mary. He would visit Marian Shrines and, Basilicas frequently.

As part of his loyalty to Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, he carried out a campaign against abortions, when he was Archbishop of Bombay. He was made a Monsignor at the very young age of 29.

Thus Cardinal Ivan Dias’ personality and life was quite illustrious. He has left his mark on the Church in India and on the Universal Church as well.

May he now intercede for us.