Pilar priest awarded doctorate in Rome

PANJIM, JUNE 1
Fr Hilario Fernandes of the Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier (Pilar Fathers) successfully defended his thesis at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome on Tuesday.
According to reports, Fr Hilario Fernandes’ focus of his thesis was on ‘The Spirituality of the Interrreligious Dialogue: Essential Element of Evangelisation in the Light of the Missionary Activity of St. Francis Xavier’.
Fr Fernandes, who hails from Neura, traced back the certain traits of the spirituality of dialogue implicitly found in the life of the missionary activity of Francis Xavier in spite of the differnt world view and theology of his times.
In his research, Fr Fernandes made a study of the original letters of St Francis Xavier.
He argued that the Church is much more open today to accept the positive values in other religions and traditions of people.  Dialogue is very much needed today, to speak to listen to teach and learn in order to build a kingdom of love and peace. St Francis Xavier manifested his love and concern towards every person whether poor or rich, Christian or other faith. 
Rev. Dr Christopher Shelke, director of the thesis, appreciated the work of Fr Fernandes. Professor Rogelia Garcia Mateo was the co-relator at the presentation, while Professor Bruno Secondin presided over the event.