Members of the Raiwaqa Parish. - Photo: Pescila Magdalin.
Report on Interreligious Dialogue Presentation to the Church parishioners on Saturday, 19 October at 5:00pm Mass and on Sunday 20th October 7:00am and 9:00am Mass
Location: Raiwaqa Church
On Saturday afternoon and Sunday, I had the privilege of addressing parishioners at three different church services on the theme of Interreligious Dialogue. This initiative aimed to foster goodwill, understanding, and peace among diverse religious communities, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Objectives of the talk were to:
- Encourage Respect and Understanding and highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting different faiths.
- Foster dialogue that leads to mutual understanding and harmony among various religious groups.
- Inspire action for goodness: Motivate attendees to engage with their non-Christian neighbours in acts of kindness and community-building.
The presentation included:
- The definition of Interreligious Dialogue explains what it means, emphasizing it as a respectful conversation aimed at building bridges between different faiths.
- The teachings of the Catholic Church on interreligious relationships and the call for inclusivity and love towards all humanity. Love of our neighbours
Columban IRD coordinator creating awareness to Raiwaqa parishioners on Mission Sunday. Photo: Pescila Magdalin.
I shared my insights during the IRD activities with various faiths and examples of successful interfaith initiatives that have positively impacted local communities. I also shared the second Vatican Council document on Nostra Aetate on the importance of Dialogue with followers of other religions to the parishioners to engage in interreligious Dialogue, such as attending community events, participating in interfaith services, and volunteering with diverse groups. I encourage parishioners to reflect on their beliefs and how they can contribute to a culture of peace and respect.
After the prayer service, the response from the parishioners was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the insights shared and the importance of fostering interreligious relationships. The parishioners felt more informed about Interreligious dialogue. They voiced a need to reach out to non-Christian neighbours and engage in community projects that include diverse groups.
I am grateful to the parish priests, Fr. Paul and Fr. Vincent Ratnam, and the parishioners for their openness to these conversations. I desire to continue dialogue and events in Raiwaqa parish that promote interfaith understanding. Together, we can foster an environment of peace and respect among all faiths.
Pescila Magdalin
Columban Interreligious Dialogue Coordinator.
Related links
- Read more from the current e-Kaulotu - November 2024
Social gathering on Mission Sunday. Photo: Pescila Magdalin.
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