A formative seminar on the “Basics of Inter-Religious Dialogue” was held on 25th August 2024 at Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa. It was jointly organized by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Sadbhav – fora for the promotion of Inter-Religious harmony in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Over 120 participants from 52 parishes and 2 chapels participated in it. The main aim of this seminar was to instil the value and need of strengthening and promoting inter-religious harmony in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The seminar began with a prayer service led by Mr. Mariano Valadares, member of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue. Mr. Marcellus Fernandes, an 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 further added.
The first session on the topic “Understanding Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD) was presented by Fr. Elvis Fernandes, convenor of Sadbhav. In his presentation he dwelt on the what, why and how of dialogue. He also spoke about the dispositions needed and obstacles encountered while engaging in Inter religious dialogue. 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 highlighted the necessity of having a basic knowledge of your dialogue partner and then 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 the 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. Post 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, the 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. At the end Fr. Heston Ferrao proposed the vote of thanks. The entire programme was compered by Ms Alisha Da Cunha.
Fr. Elvis Fernandes, Sfx
