PANAJI
Emphasising the transformative power of dialogue, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes said interreligious dialogue invites people to share the richness of diverse traditions.
He was addressing a seminar on the ‘Basics of Interreligious Dialogue’ at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Goa on August 31.
The seminar, jointly organised by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and Sadbhav, a forum of the Society of Pilar, attracted over 140 participants from 57 parishes and four chapels.
“Just as a dining table nourishes the body, dialogue nourishes the soul of humanity,” he said. Using the dining table as a metaphor, the bishop explained, “It’s a place where people gather not as strangers but as companions, sharing food, stories, and building relationships. Differences remain, but they become opportunities for deeper understanding and communion.”
He further added, “Interreligious dialogue invites us to sit together, listen respectfully, and share the richness of our diverse traditions. At this table, no one is excluded, every voice matters, and every person enriches the whole.”
The event began with a prayer service led by Assumption Raposo, followed by a welcome address by Fr Caji Barreto, SFX, Secretary of the Central Mission Commission of the Society of Pilar.
Fr Elvis Fernandes, SFX, Convenor of Sadbhav, presented the Catholic perspective on interreligious dialogue, covering its definition, purpose, misconceptions, and challenges.
Fr Franky Carvalho, Professor at Pilar Theological Institute, and Fr Heston Ferrao, Professor at Rachol Seminary, spoke on the biblical basis and Church teachings on interreligious dialogue, respectively.
Fr Agnelo Pinheiro, convenor of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, concluded the morning session with a presentation on the core beliefs, ethical codes, and practices of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
After lunch, Fr Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor at St Xavier’s College, facilitated group discussions where participants watched videos on interreligious dialogue and explored related themes. A question-and-answer session followed, addressing Church teachings and practical aspects of interreligious living.
A participant, Sylvia Vaz from Mae de Deus Church, Saligao, described the seminar as “timely, given the rising incidents of intolerance in our state and country.”
She added, “This seminar offered valuable insights for personal growth, deepened my understanding of my own faith, and fostered respect for neighbouring faiths.”
Another participant, Ivy Rodrigues, Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem, said, “I learned that Inter-Religious Dialogue is not about debate or conversion but about respect, openness and building bridges of peace”.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr Elvis Fernandes, with Alisha Da Cunha serving as the compere.
