PANAJI:
An international conference on “The Pan Asian Heritage of St. Francis Xavier: Between Memories and Contemporary Appropriations” was inaugurated on December 12 at St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa. The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The Auxiliary Bishop His Excellency Rev. Fr. Simião Purificação Fernandes led the people gathered for the conference for a short meaningful prayer. Principal of St. Xavier's College, Ursula Barreto, welcomed the gathering on behalf of the organising committee.
Chief Guest, Fr. Paulin Baitarwa Kubuya, Under Secretary, Dicastery for Inter Religious Dialogue, delivered a speech in which he said, "India is a cradle of different religions, and inter-religious dialogue is of utmost importance.” Dr. Michel Chambon, Founder of Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics (ISAC) spoke about the Pan-Asian heritage of St. Francis Xavier, highlighting the complex history of Christianity in Asia. Dr. Chambon highlighted that St. Francis Xavier is not just a figure of the past, but also relevant to the present, and that his legacy has the potential to question our present in many ways.
The Auxiliary Bishop delivered a speech on behalf of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao encapsulating the legacy of St. Francis Xavier. The inaugural of the conference ended with a vote of thanks by Fr James Ponniah, coordinator, ISAC.
This Conference is being held in connection with the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier and its aim is to explore the historical and sociological impact of the life and work of St Francis Xavier on the Asian continent, especially in those countries where he exercised his ministry. Eminent scholars will be presenting 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 three-day conference.
