Cardinal Gracias Releases Book Documenting Christians’ Contributions to Nation-Building

MUMBAI, Nov 6, 2026: Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Emeritus Archbishop of Bombay, has released a 965-page book documenting the contributions of Christians to India's history and nation-building.

Titled Christians in India – The Nation’s Vital Asset, the book is published by ST PAULS India and edited by Dr Louis D’Silva, associate professor at the University of Mumbai. It was launched at Alberione Hall, Bandra, in the presence of Church leaders, academicians and other guests.

The volume traces the contributions of Christians in India from the time of St Thomas the Apostle to the present, highlighting individuals who have distinguished themselves in education, science, literature, public service, defence, arts, sports and social leadership.

The publication brings together 41 chapters based on 16 years of research, documentation and coordination by D’Silva, who has authored 10 books and several scholarly articles.

Releasing the book, Cardinal Gracias described it as a “masterpiece” and congratulated the editor and publisher for undertaking the extensive documentation project. He also commended D’Silva's efforts in collecting information from across the country and acknowledged the support of his family.

The launch featured reflections by Fr Nigel Barrett, parish priest of St Andrew’s Church, Bandra, and public relations officer of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India; educationist Dr Elaine Charles; Dr S. M. Michael, director of the Institute of Indian Culture, Andheri; and Dolphy D’Souza, social activist and former president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha.

The speakers stressed the need to document the contributions of Christians to India's development, particularly those of individuals and institutions that have received limited attention in mainstream historical accounts.

Fr Sajith Cyriac SSP, chief editor of ST PAULS, said the publication seeks to help Christians understand their community's historical legacy while introducing its contributions to readers beyond the Christian community. He described the book as an important milestone in the publishing house's efforts to make this legacy more widely accessible.

By Catholic Connect Reporter