Abp Thomas J. Netto

Episcopal ordination is on 19th March 2022, at 4.00 pm
at St. Sebastian’s ground Cheruvettucaud, Trivandrum

What is the motto you would like to take and why do you make this choice?
I have taken the following as my motto: “To Proclaim the Good News… Journeying together in Love and Service.” It has two components. The context of the first part derives from the Nazareth Manifesto of Jesus (Luke 4:18-19) where Jesus declares that his mission is to proclaim the Good News. The context of the following part is the 16th Ordinary Synod on the theme of ‘synodality.’ The reason for this choice is very obvious: The one and only mission of the Church remains the proclamation of the Gospel, which assumes more significance in today’s context. Jesus’ approach to his mission was ‘love and service.’ I too feel that such an approach is very relevant, especially in the context of the synod announced by Pope Francis.

What will be your priority as you are called to lead your people of God?
My priorities are two-fold. Most importantly, I consider, Faith Formation of faithful as my first priority. Secondly, the diocese, as a result of its renewal process has identified different ministries, in which involvement of the laity, religious and clergy are ensured. And my focus will be to strengthen these ministries, especially Fisheries Ministry and Education Ministry.

The Catholic population in your archdiocese is about 2.3 lakhs, what do you think is the debilitating factor in their life which needs special care and attention?
The debilitating factors in my diocese which needs special care and attention are backwardness, social evils and extravaganza in both social and religious celebrations. My diocese’s backwardness is very explicit in its poverty, lack of housing and land, dearth of education and less progress in socio-political field. A good number of people are affected by social evils, predominantly, alcoholism and dowry system. And my people’s celebrations, both social and religious, involve great expense. These concerns I need to address.

Bio data of Archbishop Thomas J. Netto
Abp Fr. Thomas J. Netto was born on 29th December, 1964 in Puthiyathura in the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, and was ordained priest on 19th December 1989, for the same Archdiocese. After attending St. Vincent’s Minor Seminary in Trivandrum (1980-1983), he studied Philosophy at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, followed by Theology at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, Alwaye. He holds a M. A. Degree in Sociology from the University of Kerala and, in 1999, he obtained a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology (Ecclesiology) from the Pontificia Università Urbaniana.
He was  Episcopal Vicar for Ministries (2014-2017), Parish Priest of St. Augustine Church, Murukumpuzha and Editor of the Diocesan Magazine (2017-2021). From 2007, he is Member of the College of Consultors; and from 2021, Episcopal Vicar and Coordinator of Ministries.

Authority in the church is defined in Synodality of walking together with your collaborators of 153 Diocesan priests and 161  Religious Priests also with 684 sisters and lay leaders, how do you envisage your pastoral leadership?
The diocese has the precedence of promoting collective leadership, which involves laity, religious and the clergy. The collective leadership is exercised at different levels in a decentralized manner. I envisage such a pastoral leadership. To realize this pastoral leadership I hope to enhance and employ the human resources of the laity for the growth of the diocese, to provide space for the religious to exercise their charisms in the various ministries/commissions of the diocese and to identify, develop and channelize the resources of the clergy for the need of the diocese.

There is increasing communal tendencies in every community and religion and dangerous sense identity consciousness with an accusative mind to the other. As the new leader of the church how do you look at the communal and fundamentalist tendencies in society? Is it also affecting our relations with other religions and churches?
It is unfortunate that communal tendencies are on the rise today. Unquestionably, communal violence is against the Gospel values and the teachings of the Church. The Church respects all expressions of faith and promotes inter-religious dialogue. And as a new leader, I consider, that the divisive tendencies can be addressed by promoting dialogue among the religious. This remains as one of my pastoral concerns.

In all churches and places in Kerala the Pentecostal or Charismatic movement has its influences, as a young leader in the church are you apprehensive of the Protestant revolution they created in Catholic Church against rationality and of the Health and wealth Gospel?
At the outset, the Pentecostal movement and Charismatic movement have to be considered and addressed separately. The Pentecostal movement has its influence in the Church, as a result of which a substantial number of church members get attracted and leave. Hence the negative impact caused by the Pentecostal movement has to be evaluated. Then the reasons for this influence have to be addressed. Eventually, efforts have to be made to bring back the distanced Catholic faithful.  With regard to the Charismatic movement, its contributions for the growth of the Church have to be appreciated. At the same time, we recognize certain deviations from the teachings of the Church, which is a matter of serious concern.  The Protestant Revolution or the Reformation has to be seen with an open-mind. Considering its positive impacts can lead to healthy ecumenical initiatives.

You lived 33 years as a priest and work-ed in different portfolios, what in the life of Christ challenges most? What in Christ is most endearing to you?
What challenges me the most in the life of Christ is, his commitment to Kingdom values. He says, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Jesus’ commitment made him to embrace suffering and passion. In other words, he tells, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24-25). If you ask me what in Christ endears the most, it is nothing but his compassion to, and care and love for the poor. Jesus often had compassion for the people: “When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36; 14:14). His compassion for the poor and oppressed, leads him to provide them with sound teaching, cure and food (see, Matthew 14:13-21).

You pray, why do you pray and what for you pray?
Yes, I do pray. Prayer builds relationship. Prayer strengthens the bond between God and me. Prayer sanctifies me. Prayer empowers me to become aware God’s will for me. Even remaining in silence is prayer for me. I raise my prayer in forms of praise, thanksgiving and petition. I pray for everything, for worldly and spiritual needs. More than praying for me, I pray for those who are entrusted to my care.