By: Jose Kalapura
Patna: An inter-religious Christmas celebration emphasized the need of peace and religious harmony in a context when violence are done in the name of religion.
The Christmas Milan was organized, Dec 22, by Inter-Religious Dialogue Committee (IRDC) and Xavier Institute of Social Research (XISR), Patna. The gathering was attended by some 150 persons.
Dharma-gurus (religious preceptors) of Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, and Bahai faith communities joined the celebration and gave messages at Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ.
The celebration included Christmas carols in Hindi and English, visit of Santa Claus and video presentation on the message of Christ.
In his message, the parish priest of Kurji Church, Fr. Jose Chirackal said that celebrating Christmas means living the values of Christ such as love, brotherhood-sisterhood, toleration and justice. Christ’s birth is unique because it shows God’s loving presence as a human among humans. Humanity is one as we are all children of the same God, he said.
The head of Patna’s Brahma Kumari Ashram, BK Sangita Bahin said God is one. When we experience God deeply, we realize that God is one, though different names and paths are used. At the birth of Christ we are reminded of the greatest teaching of Christ, namely, love others as you love yourself.
Muslim teacher Shah Ahmad Munami stressed that Islam accepted plurality as all other religions had been founded before Islam. Islam actually means surrender to God. In today’s context of violence and terrorism in the name of religion, we must accept other faith and reconcile with the fact of religious pluralism and live in harmony accepting the brotherhood of all humans.
Sikh religious leader Sardar Kulwant Singh Saluja also stressed the oneness of God, though religions are different. Christ said, do good to others, to please God.
Patna Jain Samaj President, M. P. Jain said Christ tied to unite humanity on the basis of love and brotherhood. We Jains believe in the unity of humans with Nature and so the Jains respect both humans and nature.
Bahai Bihar Region Council Secretary Om Namah Shivai Singh said Christ’s message of peace and reconciliation are ever more needed now because people are fighting each other in the name of religion.
The speakers and participants were welcomed by Fr. Jose Kalapura, Director of XISR and Coordinator of Inter-religious Dialogue Commission.The carols and dances were sung by Students of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, St. Joseph Convent, Sacred Heart Convent and St. Xavier’s College.
Fr. Premlal Lucas presented some of his video music composition about Christmas. The celebration ended with greeting each other ‘Happy Christmas and Happy New Year’.