THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Over 120 participants from 52 parishes and 2 chapels participated in a formative seminar on ‘Basics of Inter-Religious Dialogue’ conducted at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, on August 25.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Sadbhav – fora for the promotion of inter-religious harmony in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The aim of this seminar was to instil the value and need of strengthening and promoting inter-religious harmony in the archdiocese.
The seminar began with a prayer service led by Mariano Valadares, member of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue. Marcellus Fernandes, executive member of Sadbhav, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objective of the seminar.
He said that the seminar is designed to instil, nurture and develop the value of Inter-Religious Dialogue.
“We need to be creative and build new ways of goodwill and harmony between communities,” he added.
The first session on the topic ‘Understanding Inter-Religious Dialogue’ (IRD) was presented by Fr Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav. He spoke about the dispositions needed and obstacles encountered while engaging in inter-religious dialogue.
Fr Agnelo Pinheiro, convenor of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, spoke on the topic of ‘Creed, Code and Cult of India’s major religions’. He highlighted the necessity of having a basic knowledge of one’s dialogue partner and went on to explain the basic tenets of Hinduism and Islam.
Fr Diogo D’souza, Professor at the Pilar Theological Institute, and Fr Heston Ferrao, Professor at the Rachol Seminary, presented the Biblical basis and Church documents on IRD respectively.
Both of them enlightened participants with references to the Bible and the Church documents on the universality of God’s saving love. They emphasised on seeing goodness in all people and to share God’s love and mercy to all people.
After lunch, Fr Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor at St Xavier’s College, facilitated a group discussion. In the groups, the participants discussed several topics related to inter-religious dialogue.
This was followed by a question and answer session on different challenges encountered while working to promote inter-faith dialogue and building a society of peace, brotherhood and unity.
The seminar ended with the celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Kennet Teles, Episcopal Vicar of South Goa, presided over the Holy Eucharist while Fr Noel Da Costa, member of the Apostolate of inter-religious dialogue, preached the homily. Fr Heston Ferrao later proposed the vote of thanks. The entire programme was compered by Alisha Da Cunha.
