PANAJI
Cardinal Oswald Gracias called on Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning and lauded the governor for his humanitarian work towards social service institutions in the State.
Cardinal Gracias is one of seven Cardinals who are special advisors to Pope Francis and is also President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
Speaking to the media, Cardinal Gracias said he had a “heart-to-heart talk” with the governor about “the good of the Nation and Goa and how to take the country forward.”
He made mention of his close association with Governor Sreedharan Pillai, who was instrumental in arranging a meeting of the three cardinals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss various issues of the Christian community.
Cardinal Gracias also recalled his meeting with the prime minister, saying that “the prime minister was favourable, interesting and very good.”
Speaking about the Covid pandemic, Cardinal Gracias said: “we need to put back the bad dream of the pandemic.” He prayed for normality and the progress of the country and the need to progress ahead with confidence and surety of all brothers and sisters as one family.
He complimented the governor for his humanitarian work towards helping the social service institutions and dialysis patients.
Governor Sreedharan Pillai said it was for the first time in the history of Raj Bhavan that one of the highest personalities in the Catholic Church had visited the governor.
He recalled his warm association with Cardinal Gracias and the successful visit of the Prime Minister to Vatican City.
He said the Prime Minister during his recent speech in Goa had praised the people of Goa for communal harmony and contribution to world peace.
On the occasion, the governor presented a copy of the Coffee Table Book “30 days of Mission Humanity” and other books authored by him.
The governor sought the blessings of Cardinal Gracias to serve the people of Goa and for their well-being.
