India News

By Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX

Pilar - Goa , Aug 29 : “Basics of Inter-Religious Dialogue” a two-day seminar was held on 26th & 27th August 2023 at Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, Goa. Over 80 participants from 40 parishes participated in the seminar. The seminar was jointly organised by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Sadbhav - forums for Inter-religious works of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the Society of Pilar respectively.

Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor 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. He further said that we need to be creative and build new ways of goodwill and harmony between communities.

On the first day, Fr. Ivon Almeida, professor at the Pilar Theological Institute, spoke on the topic “Understanding Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD); what it is? What it is not? And why IRD? In his presentation he emphasised that the subject matter of Inter-Religious dialogue should be life, and not merely religion, as life is greater than religion. Later Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro, the convenor of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue spoke on the topic of “Creed, Code and Cult of India’s Major religions”. In his presentation he explained the basic tenets of Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. He concluded his presentation by emphasising on Four Words important for Inter-Religious Dialogue: Accept, Respect, Introspect and Act.

On the second day Fr. Santosh Mendonca, 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 the participants with references to the Bible and the church documents on seeing goodness in all people, to love without boundaries and that God’ mercy and love extends to all. This was followed by a presentation on ‘Religion and the Human Mind’ by Fr. Elvis Fernandes. He presented the psychological processes behind religious experiences. He said that understanding the psychological dimensions will foster greater interfaith dialogue, promote spiritual well-being, and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Fr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor at St. Xavier’s College, facilitated the group discussion on both days. In the groups the participants discussed some catholic personalities who were well known for their inter-religious living; watched videos on values for Inter-religious harmony and discussed a road map for Inter-Religious dialogue activities at the parish, deanery and institutional level.

The seminar ended with the valedictory session. Ms. Blanche Mascarenhas, the principal of St. Xavier’s college presented the synopsis of the proceedings of the seminar. Later the two guests, Fr. Deniz Fernandes, Episcopal Vicar for North and Fr. Jesuino Almeida, former Superior of the Society of Pilar spoke on the occasion. At the end Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro proposed the vote of thanks. The entire programme was compered by Ms Chrisene Oliveira.