Team Herald
PANJIM: The Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised an Inter-Religious Meeting on Thursday, as part of the ongoing novena to St Francis Xavier and the Exposition of the sacred relics.
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The theme of the meeting, held within the precincts of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, was “Journeying Together, Strengthening Unity, Radiating Hope.”
The event was graced by His Eminence Archbishop Patriarch Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes and Fr Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar of North Goa and Diocesan in-charge of inter-religious dialogue.
The programme commenced with a prayer dance performed by novices from Our Lady of Angels Convent, Old Goa. The dignitaries then participated in a symbolic unity act, collectively dusting off a terrarium to reveal the light within, signifying the need for all religions to unite in fostering a world of love, unity, and hope.
Fr Heston Ferrão, a member of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, warmly welcomed the attendees.
The meeting featured three distinguished speakers representing different faiths: Swamini Gopikananda from the Chinmaya Mission, Margao; Maulana M F Abbasi, Imam at Masjid-e-Noor, Vasco and Rev Dr Hilario Fernandes, SFX, a Catholic theologian and member of the Pilar Society.
Swamini Gopikananda highlighted the growing materialistic trends in society and emphasised the need to focus on self-awareness and the true purpose of life.
“All humans share the five basic elements (panch mahabhutas) — earth, water, fire, air, and ether and everyone should live with this consciousness to promote peace and harmony,”said Swamini Gopikananda.
Maulana Abbasi, quoting the Holy Quran, reflected on the unity in human diversity.
“We all have descended from the same original man and woman. The differences among us are willed by God to help us recognise and understand one another,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of cultivating virtue, stating that a good member of society engages in virtuous acts and will ultimately be judged by God.
Rev Dr Fernandes said “Jesus embraced diversity, pluralism, and socio-economic disparity and we should emulate His example by reaching out to everyone, irrespective of their religious beliefs or socio-economic status”. All three speakers underscored the need for the younger generation to develop strength of mind, will, and intellect while living in hope.
The addresses were interspersed with cultural performances. Students of St Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa, presented an action-song dance to the popular song “You Raise Me Up”, students of St Xavier’s School, Moira, performed a skit titled “Ami Sogllim Ek”, and the Parish Youth of Nuvem enacted a mime titled “Hope in Unity.”
These performances emphasised the importance of compassion and care for all, regardless of faith, culture, or socio-economic background.
The programme concluded with a prayer led by Cardinal Filipe Neri, followed by a pledge recited by Mariano Valadares. The Parra Church choir, led by Fr John Fernandes, provided musical interludes throughout the event. Prof Blanche Mascarenhas delivered the vote of thanks and Alicia Da Cunha compered the programme.
