For me, Goa is a place of peace, calmness: Bishop-elect Barretto
the goan network
PANAJI
Pope Francis recently appointed two new Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Bombay and one among them is Fr Barthol Barretto, a priest who traces his roots to Loutolim. In an interview with THE GOAN, Bishop-elect Fr Barretto shares the initial reactions of his appointment, memories of Goa and his ecclesiastical role in building bonds of friendship and trust.
TG: You have been recently appointed auxiliary bishop of Bombay diocese. What was your initial feeling and reaction when you received news of your appointment?
BB: As soon as I received news of my appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, I had mixed reactions. I was asked by my superiors to spend two hours in prayer and it was at that time that I was inspired by both Abraham (Genesis) and Our Lady (Luke), who ultimately said ‘Yes’ to the plan of God. The moment I said ‘Yes’ and surrendered myself into God’s loving embrace, I experienced peace deep within. I feel humbled by this great news and feel challenged to serve the Archdiocese with “Christ-like humility and service.”
TG: You trace your roots to Loutolim. What are those memories that you have of Goa in general and Loutolim in particular?
BB: Goa has always been for me a place of peace and calmness. It is in Goa that one is never lost, with people always there to help and assist if one ever needs a helping hand! In retrospect, Loutolim for me has always been my second home. The entire family would look forward to a one-month holiday in May because that meant a break from studies and a lot of playing games in the fields. I still remember at the end of our holidays, we would hide the cricket ball on the roof top where it would remain till our next holidays. The memory I cherish most is the family getting together for the annual ritual of making sausages to be carted to Mumbai. It was indeed a time of bonding, togetherness and joy. Leaving Goa would create a feeling of sadness.
TG: At a time when there are voices critical about Christians and Christianity, how challenging will be your new ecclesiastical assignment in building bonds of friendship and trust?
BB: The best way to build bonds of friendship and trust is by one’s own example and prayer. As to your mention of ‘a time when there are voices critical about Christians and Christianity’, this has been the situation throughout history! Jesus himself warned his followers to be prepared to be misunderstood and unaccepted because his message of returning hate with love was directly opposed to human choice. Again, a faith-filled life and prayer, the guidance of my fellow priests and bishops, and my own personal experiences will give me direction and strength to build bonds of unity and trust.
TG: A Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay is not just a spiritual head but he is also expected to take a stand on social and political issues as well. What are those issues that you would like to address?
BB: As far as social and political issues are concerned, I would go by what Pope Francis has taught us: Never to exploit our people and take them for granted but to give them due respect and human dignity they deserve. As Bishop, I will strive to walk the Jesus way mainly to care for people and lead them closer to God.
TG: As a Bishop of Goan origin, what would be your message to fellow Goans?
BB: Goa has been for me intensely religious “ it bears after all, the legacy of St Francis Xavier. I would encourage the people not to take this legacy for granted but to be staunch and committed disciples of Jesus and spend time in personal, family and community celebration of the Sacraments regularly. I pray that as committed Christians, we become other Christs to people of other faiths.
