Pan Asian peace congress gets underway
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, SEPT 13
The five-day Seventh Pan Asian Congress PANASCO-7 of the Society of St Vincent de Paul got underway in Goa here on Monday, with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat expressing confidence that the conference will deliberate on vital issues that would have a bearing on reducing the gap between the haves and the have-nots in the world.
The conference was inaugurated by the chief minister in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay Agnelo Gracias, International President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Jose Ramon Diaz and the National President, V M J Balaswamy at the Ravindra Bhavan here this evening.
In his address, the chief minister complimented the Society of St Vincent De Paul for its commendable job for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden.
Saying that development is taking place at a faster pace across the word in the present era, Kamat, however, said that the development has widened the gap between the haves and the have-nots. While complimenting the Society of St Vincent De Paul for its yeoman service to mankind, Kamat hoped the five day conference will deliberate on vital issues that would help reduce the gap between the poor and the rich. “It is the responsibility of everyone to contribute towards the society. We have to support for the good of the society”, he added.
In his welcome address, the SSVP national President V M J Balaswamy called upon the participants to open themselves to enabling possibilities of PANASCO – new perspectives, new sensitivities and attitudes which should lead them to a renewed longing for communion with God, an intensified communion with one another, an authentic communion with the poor.
“Let us climb to the heights of love and heights of the causes of poverty. Let us also respond loudly and clearly to the demanding call of God to go back to the poor with solidarity and compassion. Let us work together with the spirit of our Patron Saint, St Vincent De Paul and our principle founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam”, Balaswamy said.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, Agnelo Gracias and the International President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Jose Ramon Diaz also addressed the gathering.
Over 350 participants are attending the five day conference.
Earlier, a Holy Mass was held at the Holy Spirit Church, where the Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, Agnelo Gracias was the Principal celebrant. In his homily, the Auxiliary Bishop reminded that people search for God everywhere, but tend to forget that God is present in the fellowmen.
