Msgr Joseph Kallarackal
Bishop of Jaipur

When is your episcopal ordination?
Episcopal Ordination is on 16th July 2023.

What is your motto as a bishop? Is it a quote, why do you take it as the motto of your call?
My motto as bishop is “to do everything for the glory of God and being grateful to God”. My Motto is, “To serve in compassion.” I am inspired by the Biblical verse, “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Ephesians 4:32

You are called from Ajmer to head the diocese of Jaipur in Rajasthan and you hail from Idukki in Kerala, how do you understand your vocation?
God has definite plan for each of us even before our birth, my vocation is HIS gift and consider it as part of the Divine Plan and I trust in it firmly.

You were the Vicar of the Cathedral of Ajmer and now you are called to lead a Catholic population of 5100 in Jaipur which is a tiny minority in a 27 lakh population. How do you understand your minority situation within a vast majority of non-Christians?
27 Lakh that you refer to is merely the city population of Jaipur District whereas Jaipur Diocese is comprised of 12 districts excluding the newly formed districts. Here I am reminded of the Biblical verse Mathew 13:33 that we are called to be ‘leaven.’

Rajasthan is in the heartland of Hindi, it is also influenced by the Hindutva ideology, how do you understand the Catholic Mission of Christ’s call?
Rajasthan has been a peace loving state, people in Rajasthan generally live in unity, fraternity and cooperation. Civil Society, religious leaders, bureaucrats and good number of political leaders together have insulated Rajasthan from hatred and division. Catholic Mission is to spread love, peace, justice and to care and uplift the marginalized.

Amartya Sen once said “the idea of India is in danger” do you think there is danger in the country for the Constitutional values of equality, fraternity and freedom in the present India?
It is not limited to India alone, By its very nature Democracy has been in jeopardy all over the world. Educated vigilant citizens play a vital role as the famous saying goes, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Religious fundamentalism is the mood of the present world, it has affected every religion, do you confront persecution being a Christian?
No, Rajasthan is free from direct persecution, yet there are a few incidents of troubling institutions deliberately under the pretext of public responses to occasional management lapses.

The Catholics in different parts of India face difficulties and even violence, in the perspective, how do you evaluate the meeting of the Prime Minister with some bishops of Kerala?
As long as it is not reduced to mere photo op or publicity stunt, a constructive and fruitful dialogue with the Constitutional Heads should be encouraged.

How do you envisage your leadership with your clergy, religious and the people in the missionary diocese of Jaipur?
God has blessed Jaipur Diocese with Emeritus Bishop Oswald, united clergy, religious and laity who have inherited the rich pastoral legacy from Rajputana Missionaries. I envisage joining them in a synodal journey marching ahead together united and rooted on the Word of God.

How do you pray and what is prayer for you?
Having a friendly dialogue, heartfelt conversation, sharing my side of story and then listening to HIS side in silence.