PANAJI
Speakers at an inter-religious meeting in Old Goa on Thursday stressed the need for the present generation to build strength of mind, will, and intellect, and above all to live in hope.
The Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised the inter-religious meeting in the context of the ongoing Novena to St Francis Xavier and the Exposition of his Sacred Relics.
The theme of the meeting, conducted in the precincts of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, was ‘Journeying Together, Strengthening Unity, Radiating Hope’.
The meeting was graced by the presence of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, Fr Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar of North Goa and the diocesan in-charge of interreligious dialogue.
All dignitaries participated in a meaningful unity act wherein they dusted off together a terrarium so that the light within it may be clearly radiated outside symbolizing that all religions need to join hands in building a world of love, unity and hope.
Invited as speakers to the meeting were three eminent personalities from three different faiths: Swamini Gopikananda from the Chinmaya Mission (Margão), Maulana M. F. Abbasi, Imam at the Masjid-e-Noor (Vasco), and Rev. Dr Hilario Fernandes, SFX, a Catholic theologian and member of the Pilar Society.
Observing a growing materialist trend in society, Swamini Gopikananda said: “Our life goal ought to be to know ourselves and the main goal of our being on this earth. All other ambitions must work to support this essential life goal by developing our self-consciousness, which is increasingly ignored.”
“As all humans share in the five basic elements (panch mahabhutas): earth, water, fire, air and ether, we need to live in this consciousness and strive to build bonds of peace and harmony among us, striving towards the well-being of all humans.”
Maulana Abbasi stressed that while all have descended from the same original man and woman, the differences have been willed by God to ensure that we know and recognise each other.
“Our differences are intended to unite us, not divide,” said Maulana Abbasi, stressing on the need to grow in virtue, that the good member of society is one who is constantly engaged in virtuous acts.
Rev. Dr. Fernandes reflected that Jesus was no stranger to diversity, pluralism and socio-economic disparity.
“We ought to imitate him in reaching out to all persons regardless of their religious beliefs and their socio-economic locations,” he said.
The addresses of the speakers were interspersed with cultural programmes from students of various institutions.
All the cultural items highlighted the essential need to live a life of care and concern towards every needy human person, irrespective of his/her faith traditions, cultural leanings or socio-economic background. The programme culminated with a prayer led by Cardinal Ferrão, followed by a pledge led by Mariano Valadares.
