Oswald Cardinal Gracias

Oswald Cardinal Gracias, an esteemed alumnus of St Michael’s High School, Mahim, has had a remarkable journey of service and leadership in the Catholic Church. Born on December 24, 1944 in Mahim, he was ordained a priest in 1970 and later earned a doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical Urbaniana University. He served as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, then Archbishop of Agra, and in 2006 returned to lead Bombay until his retirement in January 2025.

Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, Cardinal Gracias has been a key voice nationally as Vice-President and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, as well as internationally as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (2010–19)

Known for his commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and pastoral care, he remains a source of inspiration for current students and alumni alike.