On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol organized its annual Inter-Religious Meeting on the theme Journeying Together, Strengthening Unity, Radiating Hope. The meet began with participants engaging themselves in an enriching group discussion on how people of different faiths can join hands in fostering harmony and strengthening unity in our nation.
In the ensuing fraternal get-together in the seminary auditorium, Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues, the Rector, extended a cordial welcome to everyone. Representatives of different faiths then took part in a Unity Act wherein they opened the petals of a flower to showcase that when we unitedly open ourselves and contribute the fragrance of our values for the common well-being we become messengers of hope in the society.
Mrs. Heena Shabali, a lecturer at Rosary College, Navelim, speaking on behalf of the Islamic community, emphasized that everyone needs to carry hope and faith in one’s heart which will contribute towards facing challenges and trials leading to miraculous outcomes of authentic unity, peace and joy.
Bhai Dalbir Singh, a retired Navy Officer, representing the Sikh religion, said that God speaks to us through the language of love which needs to be translated in selfless charity towards every human person making this world a real home of care, concern and hope.
Swami Sughoshananda, rendering service at the Chinmaya Mission, Ponda, representing the Hindu community, stressed on the spiritual connection that exists in all humans as the soul is the indwelling of the divine. We are called to respect every creature in this world as it is the manifestation of God.
Dr. Elvis Gonsalves, Principal of St. Andrew’s Higher Secondary, Vasco, speaking on behalf of the Catholic community, focused on the life and mission of Jesus who embraced and served everyone without any discrimination thereby becoming a perfect model to His disciples to be heralds of care, concern and hope to everyone.
The students of Rosary College, Navelim, youngsters from the Parish Youth of Nuvem and seminarians of Rachol Seminary through their creative performances highlighted the urgency of combatting forces of extremism that pose threat to our communal harmony and the resolve to promote and strengthen the bonds of unity-in-diversity in our great nation – India. All the participants pledged through an oath that as they journey along they will strive to strengthen unity and radiate hope of peace in society. Sem. Hilario De Lima compered the programme while Sem. Cidroy Fernandes proposed the vote-of-thanks. The event concluded with everyone sharing in a fellowship tea.