Old Goa, October 5, 2019: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stressed the need to maintain harmony during his first visit to the headquarters of the Pilar Society, a prominent Catholic religious order in the western Indian state.
Highlighting the concept of ‘sarva dharma sama bhava,’ embodying the equality of destination of paths followed by all religions, Sawant urged everyone to live in peace and solidarity.
Sawant also interacted with Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the head of the Catholic Church in India and one of advisers to Pope Francis. The cardinal was in Pilar to preside over the Pilar theological consultation.
The chief minister expressed happiness on meeting Cardinal Gracias and both leaders expressed their common desire and efforts made to maintain peace and harmony.
“Let us maintain the harmony in the beautiful Goa,” the chief minister said.
He said he had a great desire to visit Pilar and felt happy and peaceful on visiting the sacred hillock.
Sawant lauded the Society of Pilar for doing great service to the poor and marginalized in the remotest parts of India.
He assured his support and collaboration in everything good that is taken up in the state.
Cardinal Gracias also expressed similar sentiments of joy on meeting the chief minister and appreciated him for his yeoman service in Goa.
On the occasion, the chief minister inaugurated a conference hall, which was blessed by Cardinal Gracias at the Pilar Animation Centre.
Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharampuri, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira, Agassaim sarpanch Xavier Gracias, provincials and major superiors of the Society of Pilar were also present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Superior General of the Society of Pilar Fr Seby Mascarenhas said “The Society of Pilar is the face of Goa serving in different parts of India among the poor and marginalized, spreading the ethos of harmony and peace. We need to treasure and maintain these values and ethos.”
Source: englishnews.thegoan.net