The Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organized an Inter-Religious Meeting on 28th of November 2024 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 His Eminence Archbishop Patriarch Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, as well as the Fr Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar of North Goa and the diocesan in-charge of interreligious dialogue.
The meeting began with a Prayer Dance presented by the novices from Our Lady of Angels Convent, Old Goa. All the dignitaries then 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. Fr. Heston Ferrão, member of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, extended a cordial welcome to all those present.
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 stressed that 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 delivered a note-worthy address, quoting from the Holy Quran he stressed that while we are all descended from the same original man and woman, the differences among us have been willed by God to ensure that we know and recognise each other. Our differences are intended to unite us, not divide. Maulana Abbasi also stressed on the need to grow in virtue, that the good member of society is one who is constantly engaged in virtuous acts and know that they will be judged by God at the end of our time on earth.
Rev. Dr. Fernandes reflected that Jesus was no stranger to diversity, pluralism and socio-economic disparity and we ought to imitate him in reaching out to all persons regardless of their religious beliefs and their socio-economic locations. All three speakers stressed the need for the present generation to build strength of mind, will, and intellect, and above all to live in hope.
The addresses of the speakers were interspersed with cultural programmes from the students of St. Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa, who presented an action-song dance to the popular song ‘You Raise Me Up’; students from St. Xavier’s School, Moira who presented a skit titled ‘Ami Sogllim Ek’; and the Parish Youth of Nuvem, who presented a mime entitled ‘Hope in Unity.’ 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 backgrounds.
The programme culminated with a prayer led by the Cardinal, followed by a pledge led by Mr Mariano Valadares. The Parra Church choir, led by Fr. John Fernandes, animated the entire programme with musical interludes. Prof. Blanche Mascarenhas proposed the vote-of-thanks, while Ms. Alicia Da Cunha compered the programme.
