By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, July 30, 2026: Religious leaders, clergy, academics and community representatives gathered in New Delhi on July 28 to mark the birth anniversary of Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes (1913–2000), honoring his lifelong commitment to peace, interfaith dialogue and cooperation among religious communities.
The interfaith event, titled “Celebrating the Legacy of Archbishop Angelo Fernandes Through Interfaith Dialogue,” brought together representatives from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Jain, Buddhist, Bahá’í and Brahma Kumaris communities in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
Archbishop Fernandes served as Archbishop of Delhi from 1967 to 1990 and was a participant in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965. He also served as the founding president of the World Conference on Religion and Peace from 1970 to 1984.
Organized by the Ecumenism Commission of the Archdiocese of Delhi, the gathering was held at a venue closely linked to the late archbishop’s ministry. St. Luke’s Church was founded by Archbishop Fernandes in 1978 and remains a symbol of his pastoral leadership and vision for vibrant faith communities.
The program opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a gesture symbolizing the shared pursuit of wisdom, peace and understanding.
Speakers from various faith traditions reflected on the role of dialogue in building stronger communities and emphasized values including compassion, justice, respect and service to the common good.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the archbishop’s vision through continued dialogue, collaborative service initiatives and efforts to strengthen relationships among faith communities.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to carry forward the late Archbishop Fernandes’ legacy of peace, reconciliation and unity in an increasingly diverse society.
(Photo supplied)