Fr. Thomas Reddy was inspired to write his book on the history of the Church in Bombay after researching original documentation from the Jesuit archives regarding problems faced by East Indians under the Padroado jurisdiction. The book details the struggle of common people who wanted reforms to progress intellectually, socially, financially and emotionally. It provides insight into the church structure at the time and lessons about avoiding infighting over jurisdiction. The history highlights the human fallibility of church leaders while bringing the community together through shared heritage. Overall, the book aims to inform readers about the double jurisdiction problem in an unbiased manner and promote unity over selfish interests in serving people.

1. Special Supplement
Exclusive Interview with Fr Thomas Reddy, SJ
regarding his latest book
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1.What inspired you to write the History of the
Church in Bombay?
This book is the labou
r of my doctoral work. Since I
had been working in the Archives of the Society of
Jesus as a Director I happened to come across original
documentation in the Archives, on the problems of the
East Indians with regards to the functioning of
Padroado priests in Bombay Archdiocese.
2. Why do you think that the history of the church
is important?
History of the Church gives us the story of our
Past. Knowing the past history can help us avoiding
the pitfall again in the Present and future. Beside
knowing past keeps up the continuity in the catholic
community between the present and
the future. This certainly is one important reason. One also
sees the growth or progress made by church in the last
20thcenturies. Studying Church history helps us to know our
strong points and our limitations our heritage, the good the bad
and the ugly. We can learn to accept our story in all humanness.
3. What are some of the special features of this book?
Well the special features of this book and history is that I have
been able to bring out the struggle of common people who (the
East Indian of Vasai and Thane) expressed their need of doing
away with the Padroado Jurisdiction, in order to make
progress intellectually, socially, financially and emotionally.
4. What are your expectations from your readers?
I expect that the readers have a better understanding as to the
Double Jurisdiction problem. The decision made by Rome
was for the good of the Catholics at large in the Archdiocese of
Bombay. There are no taking side one against other Padroado
against the Propaganda.
5. What is the expected impact of this book on a larger
community?
Since the book is written in a
research manner the impact would
be one of Informative knowledge
rendered to those who read it. The
story that unfolds itself brings out
the human state of the Holy Church
and its leaders. A lesson to all of us as
to what to do and what
not to do.
December 2014 Special Supplement

2. AARRCCHHDDIIOOCCEESSEE OOFF BBOOMMBBAAYY AATT CCRROOSSSSRROOAADDSS
6. Is there something the church at large can
learn from the history of the church in Bombay?
The church at large can learn the lesson of being
humble and not having infighting amongst
themselves as to the Jurisdiction they held. We are all
serving the same Lord and so we need to be broad
minded and not narrow minded. We should not be
politically motivated but God motivated. We should
not be selfish but selfless at the service of our flock.
7. Your joys and struggles in bringing out this
book?
It was a long discernment that I had to undergo. I
learnt to sit and spend many hours to polish and get
this book for printing. I was extremely happy that I
could mange sitting long hours. It was shooting my
blood pressure when my printer was taking His own
sweet time to print it. I learnt to be patient and persevering not
loosing my cool. The final joy is to see it has been published
finally. The appreciation and positive feed back from my
Jesuits and friends were positive.
8. Your Message for our readers...
Do not give up stick to writing and it will pay off.
TThhoommaass RReeddddyy,, SSJJ
Doctorate in Church History
(from Gregorian University, Rome)
Diploma from Vatican Archives
December 2014 Special Supplement
on Archival studies.
Teaches Church History @
Regina Mundi, Rome,
JDV, Pune
Goregoan Seminary.