Visit to Cardinal Ivan Dias

What a moment it was to see Cardinal Ivan Dias who was the head of Propaganda Fide in the Vatican. He is now retired and preferred to stay in Rome itself. He stays very close to our Curia about 5 minutes walk. There are some Capo Verdean sisters who are looking after him. He is enjoying good health but cannot walk much. But his speech is very clear and there is a lot of brightness and charm on his face. He is about 78 years old. 

I had the opportunity to work under him in the diocese of Bombay. When i was appointed as the parish priest of our parish in Bombay it was he who installed me as the parish priest. He was kind enough to come over to our parish. I still remember the homily that he preached in which he enumerated the good qualities of a pastor who not only loves but willing to give his whole life for the parish. From then onwards for three years i had a lot of opportunities to see, meet and listen to him during our meetings and conferences. He loved all the priests and at the same time very strict too. He would not tolerate any nonsense but like a father he would guide the erring priest. 

In 2004 we celebrated golden Jubilee of our parish, Our Lady of Fatima, Kirol, Vidyavihar, Bombay and he was the main celebrant and as well as chief guest for the program. There were more than 100 priests for the Mass as well as for the Program. I still remember that during the homily he referred often to the name of the ex-vice provincial Francis Gonsalves, thinking that he was the parish priest. The con-celebrating priests noticed it and spoke to him after the Mass. The Cardinal was so apologetic that before the felicitation he came over to me and apologized to me. I felt very humble and small to hear from him. He made a point during his speech to make mention of it. I felt honored to hear that from him. This was a sign of a great man and immediately after some months he was nominated in the Vatican on a big office. He was the first Indian to hold that post. He made all Indians proud and the Catholic Church strong. 

while speaking to him this morning during our visit i noticed that the spirit of God is still active and vibrant. He at the end invited us to recite together Hail Mary...and gave his Blessings. I too prayed for his speedy recovery to God the Father....

He is a strong devotee of Mother Mary...........I was very happy .............Cardinal Ivan we love you and cherish and value all that you said and did......