Cardinal holds out hope amid despair

MUMBAI: The archbishop of Bombay, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, has issued a message of hope at Christmas.
“There can never be total darkness, there can never be total despair, there can never be total hatred. Love will overcome hatred, light will overcome darkness, goodness will overcome sin and God will overcome evil,“ he said.
“And all this becomes possib le when we accept that we have got to be God's agents and instruments of bringing light, peace, love and joy to those in need.“
Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman for the archdiocese added, “We live in troubled times when there is so much of fragmentation and division.Rather than spread fear in anticipation of violence, it is better to ask people to spread love and peace through words, actions and prayer.“ Citing Pope Francis and Cardinal Gracias as examples to follow, Fr Nigel said, “The Cardinal hosts an inter-religious dialogue meet and organises get-togethers for migrant workers at Christmas. This shows we need to be inclusive and welcoming to all, especially the downtrodden and persecuted. The Holy Family, too, were migrants in their time and serve as a reminder particularly at Christmas.“