A Columban visiting priest: Fr. Tom Rouse was the main celebrant at Ba parish, this reminded me of the importance of dialogue and our shared commitment to build bridges across faiths. - Photo: Pescila Magdalin
On the 12th and 19th of July 20226, I successfully conducted Interreligious Dialogue Awareness sessions at the parishes of Mount Saint Marys Nadi (10.00am mass) and at Christ the King (7.30am mass) in Ba with a combined attendance of approximately 250 participants. The awareness session aimed to deepen participants' understanding of interreligious dialogue and its importance in fostering peaceful and harmonious relationships within our diverse communities.
During the sessions, with approximately 200 people (combined ) in attendance, I presented the meaning and purpose of interreligious dialogue, emphasizing that it is a way of building mutual understanding, respect, trust, and cooperation among people of different faith traditions. Participants were encouraged to reach out to people of other religions with openness, humility, and a willingness to listen and learn from one another, the importance of building relationships across religious boundaries and recognized the role of dialogue in promoting peace, social harmony, and community resilience.
The key topics I covered included:
- Pope Francis message, Pope Leo 14th: An introduction to Nostra Aetate, highlighting the Catholic Church's teaching on the relationship with non-Christian religions and its call to dialogue, respect, and collaboration.
- The meaning and importance of interreligious dialogue.
Practical ways to engage respectfully with people of different faiths.
Building collaboration through shared values and common concerns: working together to address challenges and crises affecting our communities through unity and cooperation. Promoting mutual respect, understanding, and lasting friendships to build peace.
It was the first time for these participants to hear on Interreligious dialogue, and their responds was positive and active through nodding their heads and expressed a greater appreciation at the end of session. Overall, the awareness programme achieved its objective of strengthening understanding of interreligious dialogue and encouraging participants to become ambassadors of peace, respect, and collaboration within their families, parishes, and wider communities.
I remain grateful for the opportunity to facilitate these sessions and look forward to continuing this important ministry in other parishes.
Pescila Magdalin
Columban IRD Coordinator
Members/parishioners actively engaged in listening attentively during Interreligious Dialogue session, reflecting a shared commitment to understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence. - Photo: Pescila Magdalin
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