Captured by : Speakers call for respect, fraternity among different communities at inter-religious meet in Old Goa
Respecting religions will lead to peace
Inter-religious meet held at Old Goa
the goan network
OLD GOA
Speakers at an annual inter-religious meet in Old Goa on Monday emphasised the importance of building together networks of respect and fraternity among different communities.
The largely-attended meet in Old Goa, organised by the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter Religious Dialogue, began with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao and the speakers of three faiths lighting the lamp.
Bhajans were sung by the Mater Dei sisters invoking God’s blessings, while students of Carmel’s Higher Secondary College welcomed the gathering with a prayer.
Maulana Abdul Mobin Asmi, representing the Muslim community stated that the concept of nationalism had brought about more divisions than religion.
“Leaders of various religions and their followers must come forward in a spirit of love. We are blessed to be born in a peace-loving country. However, some traitors of our country have their own selfish interests and are changing the peaceful picture of our country.”
Niyan Marchon, representing the Catholic community, spoke on God’s unconditional love and mercy.
“God doesn’t look at our race, culture and religion, as for Him we are all just humans. If you have no love in your heart then you cannot give love to others,” said Marchon.
Ramchandra Naik, representing the Hindu community, opined that the world was becoming more materialistic.
“We have forgotten that the world belongs to “us” and not “me.” God is one, but we worship the Lord in different ways,” said Naik, appealing to people to join hands and minds to live in peace and harmony.
St Xavier College presented a mime on 'Terrorism has no religion' while a skit by the Mater Dei institute reflected on social justice.
Convenor of the Apostolate of the Inter-religious dialogue Fr Noel Da Costa said the theme 'Building together networks of respect and fraternity' was a challenging task, especially in a vitiated atmosphere where people of various communities are stereotyped and labeled.
“Therefore, it is the responsibility of teachers and students to become instruments to network people of different faiths for a common cause that affects the whole humanity.”
“We need to realize that the only road that leads to peace and fraternity is that of respect for religious practices and conviction for others,” Fr Da Costa added.
