By Matters India Reporter
Pilar, Sept 2, 2025: Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes of Goa and Daman says dialogue has a transformative power that helps humanity’s growth.
“Just as a dining table nourishes the body, dialogue nourishes the soul of humanity,” the prelate told a seminar on the “Basics of Interreligious Dialogue” held on August 31, at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Goa, western India.
Using the dining table as a metaphor, the 58-year-old prelate said, “It’s a place where people gather not as strangers but as companions, sharing food, stories, and building relationships. Differences remain, but they become opportunities for deeper understanding and communion.”
Interreligious dialogue, he added, invites people of different religions “to sit together, listen respectfully, and share the richness of our diverse traditions. At this table, no one is excluded, every voice matters, and every person enriches the whole.”
The seminar, jointly organized by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and Sadbhav, a forum of the Society of Pilar, attracted more than 140 participants from 57 parishes and four chapels.
Pilar Father Elvis Fernandes, convener of Sadbhav, presented the Catholic perspective on interreligious dialogue, covering its definition, purpose, misconceptions, and challenges.
While Father Franky Carvalho, professor at Pilar Theological Institute, addressed the biblical basis, Father Heston Ferrao, professor at Rachol Seminary, spoke about the Church teachings on interreligious dialogue.
Father Agnelo Pinheiro, convener of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, presented the core beliefs, ethical codes, and practices of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
At group discussions the participants watched videos on interreligious dialogue and explored related themes. A question-and-answer session followed, addressing the Church teachings and practical aspects of interreligious living.
A participant, Sylvia Vaz from Mae de Deus Church, Saligao, described the seminar as “timely, given the rising incidents of intolerance in our state and country.” She added, “This seminar offered valuable insights for personal growth, deepened my understanding of my own faith, and fostered respect for neighbouring faiths.”
Another participant, Ivy Rodrigues, Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem, said, “I learned that interreligious dialogue is not about debate or conversion but about respect, openness and building bridges of peace.”
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Elvis Fernandes, with Ms. Alisha Da Cunha serving as the compere.
What about dialogues within the community (parish and cluster parishes in a diocese)? This should happen FIRST before championing Inter-religious dialogue! How many parish priests and bishops regularly listen to members of their flock (hopefully not for slaughter!)? Charity begins at home, they say!!