Team Herald
PANJIM: Fr Paulin Baitarwa Kubuya, Under Secretary, Dicastery for Inter Religious Dialogue, said that India is a cradle of different religions, and inter-religious dialogue is of utmost importance.
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He was speaking as the chief guest during the inauguration of three-day international conference on “The Pan Asian Heritage of St Francis Xavier: Between Memories and Contemporary Appropriations” at St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa, on Thursday.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Auxiliary Bishop Rev Fr Simião Purificação Fernandes led the people for a short meaningful prayer. Principal of St Xavier’s College, Ursula Barreto, welcomed.
Dr Michel Chambon, Founder of Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics (ISAC) spoke about the Pan-Asian heritage of St Francis Xavier.
Dr Chambon highlighted that St Francis Xavier is not just a figure of the past, but also relevant to the present, and his legacy has the potential to question the present in many ways.
Speaking on behalf of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Auxiliary Bishop encapsulated the legacy of St Francis Xavier. Fr James Ponniah, coordinator, ISAC proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference held in connection with the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, aims to explore the historical and sociological impact of the life and the work of St Francis Xavier on the Asian continent, especially in those countries where he exercised his ministry.
Eminent scholars will present their papers. Research scholars, faculty members and students from the disciplines of history, sociology, theology, literature, cultural studies and other related disciplines are attending the conference.
