"We welcome you to Bhopal to show love, goodwill and to carry everybody along with you in the service of the country”, said the Governor of Madhya Pradesh Dr Balram Jhakkar while felicitating the new Archbishop of Bhopal Leo Cornelio who assumed office on Sunday, Sep. 16.

“Be a beacon of light to us, a torchbearer of love, tolerance and communal amity,” continued the former two-term Speaker pf the Lok Sabha (People’s House), Dr Jhakkar. “We wish you God’s feet and abundant divine grace to lead the people on the right path,” stated the Governor.

“This country is a great nation. It is one. However, efforts are made by some to weaken it. People preach great things about religions. But it is difficult to know their hearts. The divisive forces have intolerance and hatred in them. In such a situation we need to follow the noble principle – live and let live”, declared the 84-year Governor.

“One needs to show one’s patriotism through tolerance and service to the people,” affirmed Dr Jhakkar.

“By gaining positions and power, people do not become super human. It matters very little what one’s position and tittles are. What matters is one’s love, service and compassion to humanity,” stated Dr Jhakkar.

Lauding the contribution of the Emeritus Archbishop Paschal Topno, the Governor said, “I have sadness in my heart. He is completing his term and is going away. He should not go away. We will not let him go. I have been personally enriched by him. I have been touched by his love and patience.”

Earlier, speaking on the occasion chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Chauhan said, “The great sage of India Swami Vivekananda advised – instead of worshipping a stone idol, it is better to serve the 33 crore living idols!”

Appreciating the Church’s service to people the chief minister declared, “We will stand by you in your service activities!”

Union Minister of State for Personnel Mr Suresh Pachauri speaking on the occasion said, “The truly religious people are kind, loving and serving. Pride, arrogance, hatred and violence make people religious bigots. True service and love for humanity are noble quaities of a religious person.”

Commending the Catholic community for it’s contribution in the field of education, health care, employment and empowerment of the weaker sections, the leader of the opposition in Madhya Pradesh Mrs. Jamuna Devi stated, “You have provided service without discrimination based on caste or creed. Some divisive forces do not appreciate this. However, one needs to continue to serve with tolerance and determination”

Four Archbishops, twenty one bishops and a huge gathering of faithful participated in the solemn and impressive installation ceremony and the felicitation function held on the St Joseph Co-Ed School, Bhopal.