By Felix Sahayaraj
New Delhi, Nov 22, 2021: The need for Christians to move from blind faith to mature living of Christ’s values in society was stressed at a function organized by Vidyajyoti theologate in Delhi.
The annual convocation and seminar conducted Vidyajyoti’s Distance Education Program in Theology was attended by 54 lay people from Europe and Malaysia, besides India. They awarded certificates for completing the course, Among them 44 attended the November 21 program online.
Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, the chief guest, lauded Vidyajyoti for conducting the “meaningful program” to equip the laity. The archbishop, who was a student of Vidyajyoti, stressed the need to bear witness to Jesus in the pluralistic world, through faith, truth and love. He reiterated that the Christians learning theology is part of the baptismal process.
Jesuit Father Rajkumar Joseph, director of Distance Education Program, explained the need for Christians to move from childhood catechism to adult catechism and from blind faith to matured faith. He hailed martyr Devasahayam as a model for all Christians, Devasahayam, who will be canonized next year, was neither a clergyman, nor part of the hierarchy, but a living witness, a catechist and a preacher in his own way., Father Joseph explained.
Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune in his keynote address asserted that Christian faith is not a private affair but bearing witness to Christ’s values. “We are called to be salt and so we have to make difference in the life of our neighbors. Discerning the Mind of Christ in a pluralistic world is not a monologue but an integral part of our experience,” the prelate said.
Bishop Dabre urged the graduates to equip themselves to witness Christ and dialogue with wider society through personal prayer, Bible and Eucharist.
Panel discussion was another highlight of the day. Vidyajyoti principal Jesuit Father P R. John, moderated the session, where the panelists were two lay women –Annie Puduserry and Deepti Jasmine Xalxo, along with Presentation Sister Prabina. Puduserry spoke of the new challenges of Christians Christian, family life situations and handling catechism classes for modern youth.