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D I A L O G U E
The Bombay Archdiocesan Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue
President : Cardinal Oswald Gracias
Secretary : Dr. (Fr.) S.M. Michael SVD
Office Add. : Institute of Indian Culture, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (E) Mumbai - 400 093
Telephone : 2836 8038 Website : www.archbomird.org
Email : [email protected]
Members : Fr. Aniceto Pereira, John Misquitta, Noella Colaco, Dolphy D’Souza,
Stanley Fernandez, Joseph Miranda, Melissa Nair and Faye Tarachandani
Admin Assts. : Marie D’Souza, Thelma Cardoz
Printed at : Ganesh Offset, Dadar, Mumbai - 400 028. Tel.: 2437 8688
Vol. XVI No. 1 Jan. - Mar. 2019
INDIA;A SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR,
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
1 Indian Republic Day: Dialogue to help BuildA Humane & Inclusive Society Fr. S. M. Michael SVD 2
2. Milestones on the Road to Justice in Asia Robin Gomes 4Suggested by Cardinal Charles Bo
3. Republic Day Inter Religious Gathering Moreno Alphonso & 5John Misquitta
2019 kesâ ieCeleb$e efoJeme kesâ efove, DevlejOece& ØeeLe&vee meYee DevegJeeokeâ - heer. Skeäme. mJeeceer
4. Openness to People of Other Faiths St. Pope John Paul II 10
5. Pope Francis' Historic Visit to Abu Dhabi Edward Pentin 12
HappyRepublic
Day!
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 2
his year in 2019, we are celebrating the th70 Republic Day of India, since on thT26 January 1950 the Constitution of
India came into effect. Identifying ourselves as
a Republic means acknowledging the supreme
power of the people living in the country to
govern themselves and build their future
according to the vision and foundations of the
Indian Constitution.
The preamble of the Constitution states:
The question is how far has this vision been
realized over these years? The preamble to the
Constitution sets out the hopes and
aspirations of the people as well as the ideals
before our nation. It is the guiding principle of
the people. It may be considered as the heart
and soul of the Constitution.
“WE,
THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly
resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN
SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and
worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all FRATERNITY
assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity
and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR
CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth
day of November, 1949,DO HEREBY ADOPT,
ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS
CONSTITUTION.”
Editorial
INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY:
DIALOGUE TO HELP BUILD A HUMANE
AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
A reality check on the situation of India
indicates that a large section of India's people
are left behind in the development story of the
nation. While there is so much promise and
hope given to the people by our political
leaders, in reality, more farmers are suffering,
unemployment has increased. The rich have
become richer and the poor have become
poorer. The status of the poor in India in
comparison to the world scenario calls for
immediate attention: in the Global Hunger
Index, India's place is 103, only sixteen
countries have higher (meaning worse) rank,
denoting severe hunger. In the Gender
Inequality Index, India's rank is 125 out of 188
countries; in the Index of Economic Freedom, thIndia's rank is 130 out of 180 countries; in the
Human Development Index, the rank is 130
out of 189 countries; in the Freedom of Press
Index, the rank is 138 on a descending scale of
180 countries; in per capita GDP, India's rank is
140, also at the bottom third of 188 countries. In
the Education Index, it is worse: 145 out of 191
(see Indian Express, November 11, 2018).
What do these ranks tell us? That the high rate
of growth and considerable economic
progress achieved by the country has not put
an end to the abject poverty of a significant
proportion of the population. 20 per cent, i.e.
250 million people have been left behind in the
development story. While poverty cuts across
race, religion and caste, it is an undeniable fact
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 3
that most of the 250 million of the very poor are
Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, most backward
classes, minorities and the disabled.
Further scrutiny confirms our fear of inclusive stdevelopment in the country. In 21 century
India, caste still decides what we do. The latest
2011 Census Data shows low presence of
SC/STs in coveted professions and a high
proportion in the “lowly” ones. Caste
continues to be one of the biggest factors that
determine a person's occupation among non-
farm workers. “Occupations traditionally
considered as `lowly', like sweeping and
leather work, continue to be dominated by
scheduled castes in general, more so by the
specific castes associated with such work. And
the jobs at the top are almost entirely in the grip
of those who are not from scheduled castes or
tribes” (see Times of India, December 22, 2018).
What is worrying is that the Census data
reveals that the link between occupations
traditionally viewed as “lowly”, such as
sweepers and leather workers, seem to be as
strong in younger age groups as in older ones.
The Census data also indicates that among the
people involved in hard manual labour show a
pattern of SC and ST representation well above
their proportion in the non-farm worker
population.
Studies also point out that 73 percent of the
wealth generated last year went to the richest
one percent, while 67 crore Indians who
comprise the poorest half of the population
saw one percent increase in their wealth. In the
last 12 months the wealth of this elite group
increased by Rs 20,913 billion. This amount is
equivalent to the total budget of Central
Government in '17-18. 37% of India's
billionaires have inherited (family) wealth.
They control 51 per cent of the total wealth of
billionaires in the country. India's top 10% of
population holds 73% of the wealth.
The 2030 agenda for sustainable development
was adopted by 193 member states at the UN
General Assembly in September 2015, and
came into effect on January 1, 2016. The index
provides a benchmark to map our progress at
the national as well as at the sub-national level.
There are only eleven years to go to fulfil the
target of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
The vision and foundation of the Indian
Constitution to give justice to all citizens in the
areas of social, economic and political life;
liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and
worship ; equal i ty of s ta tus and of
opportunity; and to promote among them all
fraternity assuring the dignity of the
individual and the unity and integrity of the
nation has a long way to go.
thThe celebration of the 70 Republic Day
reminds all the people of India, and especially
the political leaders to find every way to fulfil
the dream and aspirations of the Founding
Fathers of this Great Nation. Let us take a
pledge to work towards this vision.
Religions and their leaders can play an
important role in the promotion of the dignity
and integrity of every citizen in the country so
that we are able to build a just, humane and
inclusive society in India. For such an objective
inter-religious dialogue and harmony, rather
than conflict, is a must!
Happy Republic Day!
S.M. Michael SVD
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 4
yanmar's first cardinal,
who took over at the helm of the MFederation of Asian Bishops'
Conferences (FABC) on January 1, envisioned
a 5-point roadmap for Catholic Church in Asia,
to continue the journey of justice and
prosperity to all persons of Asia.
E v a n g e l i z a t i o n i n T h i r d
Millennium belongs to Asian
Church
Card. Bo sees the mandate of St.
John Paul II for the Asian Church
as the first milestone for the
world's most populous continent.
That goal was spelt out in
“Ecclesia in Asia”, the late Pope's
conclusive exhortation at the end of the Synod
on Asia, that was released in the Indian capital,
New Delhi, 1999. In it St John Paul noted that
in the first millennium Christianity was
established in Europe, in the second
millennium it was in the Americas and Africa,
and in the third millennium it would be Asia's
turn, where he said “a great harvest of faith
will be reaped in this vast and vital continent.”
Economic and environmental justice
As the second milestone, the incoming FABC
president urged the Asian Church to respond
to the call of Pope Francis for economic and
environmental justice, saying many in Asia are
denied this right. These, he said, are spelt out
in the Pope's apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii
Gaudium” and his encyclical, “Laudato Si”.
Indigenous rights
The third target is the urgent need for
recognizing the presence and rights of
His
Eminence, Cardinal Charles Bo,
MILESTONES ON THE ROAD TO JUSTICE IN ASIA
Suggested by Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the FABC
indigenous people who, the Cardinal said,
form the bulk of Catholics in vast areas of many
countries of the continent. The market
economy has created turbulence in their life in
harmony with nature. “'Laudato Si' reminds us
to re-engage with the indigenous Church
affirming their right to resources and
traditional way of life.”
Dialogue with poverty, culture
and religions
T h e 7 0 - y e a r - o l d C a r d i n a l
proposed the pursuit of peace
through the continuing three-fold
dialogue with poverty, culture
and religions, as the Asian
Church's fourth commitment.
“Our work with the poor and their
dignity,” he said, “needs to be the turf where
we meet other religions.” He regards Asia's
cultural mosaic as an invitation to the Church's
presence to inculturate the Christian faith.
Mainstreaming reconciliation
Finally, noting that conflicts and chronic wars
are continuing to wound and bleed certain
parts of Asia, the new FABC president urged
the Asian Church to mainstream reconciliation
as its New Evangelization. In this regard, Card.
Bo recalled the exhortation of Pope Francis in
Myanmar in November 2017. He urged the
Church to be an antidote to the emerging
culture of hatred. “The Church should not
repay hatred with hatred, but be a healer of
known and hidden wounds,” the Pope
said.“Poverty, hatred, clash of cultures once
again call us all to involve deeply in the three-
fold dialogue,” Card. Bo urged.
Robin Gomes
Vatican News
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 5
REPUBLIC DAY INTER RELIGIOUS GATHERING
Requirements :
A Prayer table covered with a white table cloth.
A samai well decorated with flowers.
A colourful rangoli of Mother India decorated with 2
coloured flowers and leaves can be prepared with
diyas around the map.
Tricolour flags for all present with pins can be given to
all present.
English, Marathi and Hindi Bibles to be kept ready.
Photographs or pictures of freedom fighters like
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rani Laxmibai, Veer
Savarkar, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin
Chandra Pal, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose,
Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi or other
patriotic leaders can be respectfully kept nearby.
Decorate the hall with flowers or buntings.
Toran of marigold and mango leaves for decoration at
the entrance to the hall can be installed.
Patriotic songs can be played as the guests start
coming in.
Welcome : The Parish Priest/Prayer Leader to
welcome one and all. Invite all present to pause
and come into the presence of God and maintain
complete silence.
Introduction
Leader : We all know that we received our
country's freedom with great difficulty. India
was a slave country before 1947. We were
enslaved by the British Rule for many years.
However, after many years of hard struggle by
several freedom fighters, finally India achieved
independence on Aug 15, 1947, from British rule.
India was an independent dominion in the
British Commonwealth of Nations with King
George VI as the head of state between gaining
independence from the United Kingdom on 15
August 1947 and the proclamation of a republic
on 26 January 1950. It was created by the Indian
Independence Act 1947 and was transformed
into the Republic of India by the promulgation of
the Constitution of India in 1950.
DeeJeMÙekeâleeSBSje ØeeLe&vee ces]pe meHesâo ces]peheesMe mes {keâer ngF& Skeâ meceF& HetâueeW mes mepeer ngF& Yeejle ceelee keâer Skeâ jbieerle jbieesueer. oes jbie kesâ HetâueeW Deewj heefòeÙeeW mes mepeer ~ vekeäMes kesâ ÛeejeW Deesj oerhe neW ~ Úesšs eflejbies efheve kesâ meeLe, meyeeWkeâes efoÙes pee mekeâles nQ ~ Deb«espeer, ceje"er Deewj efnvoer yeeFefyeues lewÙeej jKeW
mJeleb$elee mesveeefveÙeeW pewmes Ú$eheefle efMeJeepeer cenejepe, jeveer ue#ceeryeeF&, Jeerj meeJejkeâj, ueeueeuepehelejeS yeeueiebieeOeej efleuekeâ, efyeefheveÛebõ heeue, Yeieleefmebn, megYee<eÛevõ yeesme, mejoej JeuueYeYeeF& hešsue, cenelcee ieebOeer Deewj DevÙe osMeYekeäle vesleeDeeW kesâ efÛe$e heeme ner DeeojhetJe&keâ jKes neW ~
meYee Iej HetâueeW Deewj PeC[eW mes mepee nes ~ieWos kesâ HetâueeW Deewj Deece keâer heefòeÙeeW mes yeves leesjCe meYee Iej kesâ ØeJesMe Éej hej ueieeSB ~ cesnceeveeW kesâ ØeJesMe kesâ oewjeve osMeYeefkeäle kesâ ieerle yepeles jnW ~
mJeeiele : heuueer hegjesefnle ~ ØeeLe&vee DeiegDee meye keâe mJeeiele keâjW Deewj keânW - F&MJej keâer GheefmLeefle ceW Dee peeFÙes Deewj efyeuekegâue Ûeghe jefnÙes~
ØemleeJevee DeiegDee : nce meye peeveles nQ efkeâ nceves yeÌ[er keâef"veeF& mes Deheves osMe keâer mJeleb$elee heeF& nw ~ 1947 mes henues nceeje osMe Skeâ iegueece Lee ~ nceW keâF& Je<eeX lekeâ, Deb«espeer Meemeve ves, iegueece yeveekeâj jKee ~ keâF& mJeleb$e mesveeefveÙeeW Éeje keâF& Je<eeX lekeâ ØeÙelve keâjves hej, Deble ces 15 Deiemle 1947 nceW Deb«espeer Meemeve mes mJeleb$elee efceueer ~
Deb«espeer je°^ceC[ue ceW Yeejle Skeâ mJeleb$e Meemeve Lee ~ 15 Deiemle 1947 keâes Deb«espeer Meemeve mes mJeleb$elee efceueves mes 26 peveJejer 1950 keâes ieCeleb$e keâer Iees<eCee lekeâ jepee peespe&& ÚšW, jepÙe kesâ cegefKeÙee jns ~ 1947 kesâ mJeleb$elee DeefOeefveÙece ves Fmes mJeleb$eosMe yeveeÙee Deewj 1950 kesâ mebefJeOeeve keâes Ieesef<ele keâjkesâ Yeejle Skeâ ieCeleb$e yeve ieÙee ~
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 6
Many of our countrymen had to lay down their
precious lives for our freedom. However, when
it came to ruling our country, we needed to rule
our country without any inhibitions. So, after
much deliberations and dialogue we decided to
go in for the best form of ruling so that, come
what may, we would not be entrapped anew with
another foreign Government ruling over us.
After achieving Independence, India formed and
implemented its own Constitution as well as
declared itself as the Republic of India. Republic
Day is one of the most important national events
for the citizens of our country. It is celebrated thannually on 26 of January since 1950 and it is
celebrated by the Indian people all over India to
honour and remember the date on which the
Indian Constitution came into force.
thThe Constitution of India was adopted on 26 of
November in 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. thHowever, it came into effect on 26 of January in
1950 at 10:18 am after which India became a
Republic country. On the same date, the
Government of India Act (1935) was replaced as
the governing document of India.
The Constitution of India came into force with a
democratic government system. This date was
chosen to adopt the Indian Constitution as
Declaration of Indian Independence (meaning
Purna Swaraj) was declared by the Indian
National Congress in 1930.
Earlier, just after Independence, India was not
having any permanent constitution. However, thlater in 1947 on 28 of August, a Drafting
Committee was formed in order to make a
permanent Constitution for India. The chairman
of the Drafting Committee was Dr. Bhimrao
Ramji Ambedkar who successfully drafted the
Indian Constitution. India celebrates its freedom
from British Rule as Independence Day and
remembers its constitution implementation as
Republic Day annually.
nceejer mJeleb$elee kesâ efueÙes, nceejs osMe kesâ keâF& ueesieeW ves Dehevee peerJeve Deefhe&le keâj efoÙee ~ peye nceW Deheves osMe hej Meemeve keâjves keâer yeele DeeF&, nceW efyevee efveos<e kesâ Deheves osMe hej jepe keâjvee Lee ~ yengle efJeÛeej efJeceMe& leLee yeeleÛeerle kesâ yeeo nceves Meemeve keâe Jen lejerkeâe Dehevee efkeâ Ûeens pees nes, Deye nce DevÙe efkeâmeer efJeosMeer Meemeve kesâ DeOeerve veneR HeBâmeWies ~
Deepeeoer heeves kesâ yeeo, Yeejle ves Dehevee mebefJeOeeve ueeiet efkeâÙee Deewj Deheves keâes Skeâ ieCeleb$e Ieesef<ele keâj efoÙee ~ ieCeleb$e efoJeme, nceejs osMe kesâ veeieefjkeâ kesâ efueÙes Skeâ yengle ner cenòJehetCe& je°^erÙe efoJeme nw ~ peveJejer 26, 1950 mes nj meeue osMe kesâ meye ueesieeW Éeje ieCeleb$e efoJeme ceveeÙee peelee nw ~ Fme efove nceeje YeejleerÙe mebefJeOeeve ueeiet ngDee Lee ~
mebefJeOeeve meYee Éeje, 26 veJebyej 1949 kesâ efove Yeejle keâe efJeOeeve mJeerkeâej efkeâÙee ieÙee ~ 26 peveJejer 1950 keâes ome yepekeâj 18 efceefveš hej Ùen ueeiet nes ieÙee Deewj Yeejle Skeâ ieCeleb$e yeve ieÙee ~ Gmeer efove YeejleerÙe mejkeâej kesâ DeefOeefveÙece (1935) keâer peien, Fme Yeejle mejkeâej keâe Meemeve omleeJespe yevee efoÙee ieÙee ~
ueeskeâleeefv$ekeâ mejkeâejer ØeCeeueer kesâ meeLe Yeejle keâe mebefJeOeeve ueeiet nes ieÙee ~ Yeejle keâer mJeleb$elee (hetCe& mJejepe) keâer Iees<eCee, YeejleerÙe je°^erÙe keâeB«esme ves, 1930 ceW Fmeer efove keâer Leer ~
Fmemes henues, YeejleerÙe mJeleb$elee kesâ yeeo, Yeejle ceW keâesF& mLeeÙeer mebefJeOeeve veneR Lee ~ yeeo ceW, 1947 ceW 28 Deiemle keâes Skeâ heeC[guesKeve meefceefle yeveeF& ieF& pees Yeejle kesâ efueÙes Skeâ mLeeÙeer mebefJeOeeve lewÙeej keâjs ~ Fme heeC[guesKeve meefceefle kesâ DeOÙe#e [e@keäšj YeercejeJe jecepeer Debyes[keâj Les, efpevneWves meHeâuelee hetJe&keâ YeejleerÙe mebefJeOeeve lewÙeej efkeâÙee ~ nj meeue Deb«espe Meemeve mes cegefkeäle kesâ efove keâes, Yeejle mJeleb$elee efoJeme ceveelee nw, Deewj efJeOeeve heefjheeueve keâes ieCeleb$e efoJeme ceveelee nw ~
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 7
Republic Day of India is one of the most thsignificant national events. On 26 of January
1950 India was declared to be a Sovereign
Democratic Republic. We can best see Our Unity
in Diversity at the national celebrations.
A salute of 21 guns is given after unfurling of the
Indian National Flag by the President. Indian
National Flag has tricolour bands (upper saffron,
middle white and lower dark green in equal
proportion). Middle white band has a navy-blue
wheel with 24 spokes representing the Ashok
chakra. All the three colours of the Indian Flag
reveal different meanings; top saffron – strength
and courage, middle white – peace and truth and
l o we r g r e e n – f e r t i l i t y, g r o w t h a n d
auspiciousness of the country.
Let us cherish our freedom and work for the
upliftment of all our countrymen.
As the dignitaries and the Parish Priest light the samai, the following hymn can be sung.
Hymn : RISE INDIA, THY MILLIONS LEAD.
(or a similar hymn / bhajan)
Let us unite in India's name,
With joy our tribute bring,
Of faithful service love aflame
To Christ, our Lord, our Lord and King.
Silent Reflection.
Let us now prepare our hearts to hear what
sacred scriptures speak on freedom.
English Bible : You, my brothers and sisters,
were called to be free. But do not use your
freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one
another humbly in love. For the entire law is
fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love
your neighbour as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14.
Silent Reflection.
ieCeleb$e efoJeme Yeejle keâer meeLe&keâ IešveeDeeW ceW mes Skeâ nw ~ 1950 ceW 26 peveJejer keâes kesâ efove Yeejle keâes meJe&ßes° ueeskeâ leeefv$ekeâ ieCeleb$e Ieesef<ele efkeâÙee ieÙee ~ je°^erÙe GlmeJeeW ceW, nce Deheveer efJeefJeOelee ceW Skeâlee osKe mekeâles nQ ~
je°^heefle Éeje, YeejleerÙe je°^erÙe PeC[e Heânjeves kesâ yeeo 21 leesHeâeW keâer meueeceer oer peeleer nw ~ YeejleerÙe je°^erÙe PeC[s ceW leerve jbie keâer heefóÙeeB nesleer nQ ~ (Thej kesâmeefjÙee, yeerÛe ceW meHesâo Deewj veerÛes ienjs jbie keâer meceevegheele ceW) yeerÛe keâer meHesâo heóer ceW veerues jbie keâe Ûeekeâ neslee nw efpemeceW, DeMeeskeâÛe›eâ efve®efhele 24 Deeje nesles nQ ~ YeejleerÙe PeC[s kesâ leerveeW jbie Deueie DeLe& JÙekeäle keâjles nw ; Thej keâe kesâmeefjÙee — Meefkeäle Deewj meenme, yeerÛe keâe meHesâo - Meeefvle Deewj meÛÛeeF& Deewj veerÛes keâe nje jbie - [hepeeTheve, efJekeâeme leLee osMe keâer mecheVelee ~
nce Deheveer mJeleb$elee keâes ùoÙe ceW yeveeS jKeW Deewj Deheves osMe kesâ ueesieeW keâer Gvveefle kesâ efueÙes keâece keâjW ~
Yepeve peye GÛÛeeefOekeâejer Deewj heuueer-hegjesefnle meceF& keâes pJeefuele keâjW Gme meceÙe keâesF& GheÙegkeäle Yepeve ieeÙee peeS ~
ceewve ceveveDeeDees Deye nce Oece& «evLeeW mes mJeleb$elee keâe mebosMe megveves kesâ efueÙes Deheves ùoÙeeW keâes lewÙeej keâjW ~
Deb«espeer yeeFefyeuens YeeFÙees, legce mJeleb$e nesves kesâ efueÙes yegueeS ieS nes, hejvleg Ssmee ve nes efkeâ Ùen mJeleb$elee Meejerefjkeâ keâeceeW kesâ efueÙes DeJemej yeves, Jejve Øesce mes Skeâ otmejs kesâ oeme yevees, keäÙeeWefkeâ meejer JÙeJemLee Fme Skeâ yeele mes Skeâ ceW hetjer nes peeleer nw, efkeâ let Deheves heÌ[esmeer mes Deheves meceeve Øesce jKe (ieueefleÙeeW 5:13:14)ceewve ceveve
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 8
Marathi or Hindi Bible :“The Spirit of the Lord is
upon me, because he has anointed me to
proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me
to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and
recovery of sight for the blind, to set the
oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's
favour.” Luke 4:18-19.
Silent Reflection.
Hinduism : O mankind! I ordain for you to have
concordance in your heart, unanimity in your
minds and freedom from hatred. Every one of
you ought to love one another in every way just
as the cow loves the calf just born. Atharva Veda
3-30-1 (Sahrudhayam Samanya).
Silent Reflection.
Islam :It is not for any believer, man or woman,
when God and His Messenger have decided a
matter, to have liberty of choice in their decision.
Whoever disobeys God and His Messenger has
gone far astray. Quran 33:36. The
Confederates-al Ahzab.
Silent Reflection.
Hymn : A Bhajan or a Hymn suitable for the
occasion can be sung.
Let us listen to a couple of important quotations
from prominent leaders of our country.
Leader :
l“We are Indians, firstly and lastly.”
– B. R. Ambedkar.
“Let us together commence a journey of peace,
harmony and progress in South Asia.”
– Atal Behari Vajpayee.
“Let new India arise out of peasants' cottage,
grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler and
sweeper.” – Swami Vivekananda.
“Citizenship consists in the service of the
country.” – Jawaharlal Nehru.
l
l
l
ceje"erÙee efnvoer yeeFefyeue : ØeYeg keâer Deelcee cegPehej nw, Fme efueÙes efkeâ Gmeves kebâieeueeW keâes megmeceeÛeej megveeves kesâ efueÙes cesje DeefYe<eskeâ efkeâÙee nw, Deewj cegPes Fme efueÙes Yespee nw efkeâ kewâefoÙeeW keâeW Úgškeâejs keâe Deewj DebOees keâes °er heeves keâe megmeceeÛeej ØeÛeej keâ®B Deewj kegâÛeues ngDees keâes Úg[eTB ~ uetkeâe 4 : 18 : 19ceewve ceveve
efnvogòJe : ns ceeveJepeeefle ! ceQ DeeosMe oslee nBt, efkeâ legce ùoÙe ceW meecebpemÙe jKees ; ceve ceW celewkeäÙe Deewj És<e mes otj jnes ~ nj Skeâ keâes Skeâ otmejs mes Øesce keâjvee ÛeeefnÙes pewmes Skeâ ieeÙe Deheves DeYeer hewoe ngS yeÚÌ[s mes keâjleer nw (DeOeJee& Jeso 3 - 30-1)ceewve ceveve
Fmeueece : Deewj ve efkeâmeer ‘F&ceeve’ Jeeues heg®<e keâes Deewj ve efkeâmeer ‘F&ceeve’ Jeeueer Œeer keâes Ùen nkeâ nw, efkeâ peye Deuueen Deewj Gmekeâe jmetue efkeâmeer yeele keâe Hewâmeuee keâj os, lees efHeâ GvnW Deheves ceeceues ceW keâesF& DeefOekeâej jns ; Deewj pees keâesF& Deuueen Deewj Gmekesâ jmetue keâer DeJe%ee keâjs lees Jen Kegueer iegcejener ceQ heÌ[ ieÙee nw (HegâjDeeve 33:36)ceewve ceveve
keâesF& GheÙegkeäle Yepeve ieeÙee peeS
Deye nce Deheves osMe kesâ kegâÚ vesleeDeeW kesâ kegâÚ Keeme GæjCe megves
veslee : nce henues Deewj Debeflece ¤he mes YeejleerÙe nQ ~ yeer. Deej Decyes[keâj DeeDees nce efceuekeâj oef#eCe SefMeÙee ceW Meebefle, efce$eYeeJe Deewj Gvveefle keâer Ùee$ee Meg® keâjW - Dešue efyenejer JeepeJeeF& nue hekeâÌ[s efkeâmeeve keâer PeesheÌ[er mes, ceesÛeer Deewj meHeâeF& keâce&Ûeejer mes, veÙee Yeejle Thej G"s - mJeeceer efJeJeskeâevevo : osMe keâer mesJee veeieefjkeâlee ceW Meeefceue nw — peJeenjueeue vesn¤
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Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 9
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Leader : Dear brothers and sisters as we begin
our New Year, we pray for all people of our
country and the whole world. We got our
freedom through much bloodshed and
difficulties, let us learn to love all our citizens as
our own brothers and sisters and help each and
every person who needs our help and fulfill our
duties towards our nation.
Our response will be : O Lord hear our prayer.
1. For leaders of Nations that God may help
them to co-operate in the pursuit of peace
and justice, and the year that has begun be a
year of peace and prosperity for all people.
Response.
2. For women and children and the most
vulnerable members of our country be
shown love and mercy in all our
institutions, societies, mohallas and
families. Response.
3. For our environment that we are able to
protect and sustain it for future generations
and that we stop degrading the land, air,
water bodies and stop cutting down of trees
if not necessary. Response.
4. For the elections in our country that we do
not disturb the peace and harmony that
exists between peoples of all walks of life
and retain the secular fabric that has been
handed down to us by the writers of our
Constitution. Response.
Leader : Almighty and merciful Father of all
humanity, provide for all our needs. Increase our
faith and trust, so that we may turn and look
towards you for help and guidance in times of
need and difficulties. Let this year bring
prosperity on each and every person of this
country.
A hymn in Hindi or Marathi can be sung.
End with the National Anthem.
Moreno Alphonso,Church of St. Ann's, Mazagaon, and
John A. Misquitta, Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kalyan
efJeMJeeefmeÙeeW keâer ØeeLe&veeDeiegDee : YeeFÙees Deewj yenvees ! veÙes Je<e& keâe DeejcYe nce osMe kesâ Deewj mebmeej kesâ meye ueesieeW kesâ efueÙes ØeeLe&vee Meg® keâjW
nceeje peyeeye nesiee — ns ØeYeg ! nceejer ØeeLe&vee megves
1 F&MJej nceejs vesleeDeeW keâes, Meebefle Deewj vÙeeÙe keâer Keespe ceW ceoo keâjs ~ veÙee meeue meye kesâ efueÙes Meebefle Deewj mechevvelee keâe nes ~ peyeeye.
2. nceejer mebmLeeDeeW, meceepe ceesnuues Deewj heefjJeejeW ceW, osMe kesâ meye mes Demegjef#ele meomÙeeW efŒeÙeeW Deewj yeÛÛeeW kesâ Øeefle, Øesce Deewj oÙee nes ~ peyeeye
3. nceejs JeeleeJejCe keâes, nce DeevesJeeues heerÌ{er kesâ efueÙes megjef#ele jKeW, peceerve, nJee, heeveer keâes efJeke=âle ve keâjW, hesÌ[ keâešvee yevo keâjW ~ peyeeye
4. Deheves osMe ceW nesvesJeeues ÛegveeJe kesâ efueÙes, efkeâ nce nj Øekeâej kesâ ueesieeW ceW Hewâueer Meebefle Deewj efce$eYeeJe keâes Yebie ve keâjW, Deewj Oece& efvejhes#e ¤he keâes yeveeS jKeW pees nceejs meceefJeOeeve keâes efueKevesJeeueeW ves nceW oer nw ~ peyeeye
DeiegDee : ns meJe&Meefkeäleceeve Deewj oÙeeuet efhelee, nceejer meye pe®jleeW keâes hetjer keâj ~ legPe ceW nceejs efJeÕeeme keâes yeÌ{e leeefkeâ nce pe®jleeW keâes hetjer keâj ~ legPe ceW nceejs efJeMJeeme keâes yeÌ{e leeefkeâ nce pe®jle Deewj keâef"veeF& kesâ oewjeve, meneÙelee kesâ efueÙes legPe hej Yejesmee keâjW ~ Fme Je<e& ceW osMe kesâ nj JÙeefkeäle keâes mechevvelee Øeehle nes ~
Skeâ efnvoer Ùee ceje"er Yepeve ieeÙee peeSDevle ceW je°^erÙe ieerle nes ~
DevegJeeokeâ : heer. Skeäme. mJeeceer ceerje jes[
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 10
1. In Nostra aetate, the Declaration on the
Relation of the Church to Non-Christian
Religions, the Second Vatican Council teaches
that “the Catholic Church rejects nothing of
what is true and holy in these religions. She
has a high regard for the manner of life and
conduct, the precepts and doctrines which,
although differing in many ways from her
own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray
of that truth which enlightens all men” (Nostra
aetate, n. 2).
Taking up the Council's teaching from the first
Encyclical Letter of my Pontificate, I have
wished to recall the ancient doctrine
formulated by the Fathers of the Church,
which says that we must recognize “the seeds
of the Word” present and active in the various
religions (Ad gentes, n. 11; Lumen gentium, n.
17). This doctrine leads us to affirm that,
though the routes taken may be different,
“there is but a single goal to which is directed
the deepest aspiration of the human spirit as
expressed in its quest for God and also in its
quest, through its tending towards God, for
the full dimension of its humanity, or in other
words, for the full meaning of human life”
(Redemptor hominis, n. 11).
The “seeds of truth” present and active in the
various religious traditions are a reflection of
the unique Word of God, who “enlightens
every man coming into world” (cf. Jn 1:9) and
who became flesh in Christ Jesus (cf. Jn 1:14).
They are together an “effect of the Spirit of
truth operating outside the visible confines of
the Mystical Body” and which “blows where it
wills” (Jn 3:8; cf. Redemptor hominis, nn. 6, 12).
Keeping this doctrine in mind, the celebration
of the Jubilee of the Year 2000 “will provide a
OPENNESS TO PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHSReflections by St. Pope John Paul II, General Audience, 9 Sep 1998
great opportunity, especially in view of the
events of recent decades, for interreligious
dialogue” (Tertio millennio adveniente, n. 53).
Even now, during this pneumatological year, it
is fitting to pause and consider in what sense
and in what ways the Holy Spirit is present in
humanity's religious quest and in the various
experiences and traditions that express it.
2. It must first be kept in mind that every quest
of the human spirit for truth and goodness,
and in the last analysis for God, is inspired by
the Holy Spirit. The various religions arose
precisely from this primordial human
openness to God. At their origins we often find
founders who, with the help of God's Spirit,
achieved a deeper religious experience.
Handed on to others, this experience took
form in the doctrines, rites and precepts of the
various religions.
In every authentic religious experience, the
most characteristic expression is prayer.
Because of the human spirit's constitutive
openness to God's action of urging it to self-
transcendence, we can hold that “every
authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy
Spirit, who is mysteriously present in the heart
of every person” (Address to the Members of the
Roman Curia, 22 Dec. 1986, n. 11; L'Osservatore
Romano English edition, 5 Jan. 1987, p. 7).
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 11
We experienced an eloquent manifestation of
this truth at the World Day of Prayer for Peace
on 27 October 1986 in Assisi, and on other
similar occasions of great spiritual intensity.
3. The Holy Spirit is not only present in other
religions through authentic expressions of
prayer. “The Spirit's presence and activity”, as
I wrote in the Encyclical Letter Redemptoris
missio, “affect not only individuals but also
society and history, peoples, cultures and
religions” (n. 28).
Normally, “it will be in the sincere practice of
what is good in their own religious traditions
and by following the dictates of their own
conscience that the members of other religions
respond positively to God's invitation and
receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even while
they do not recognize or acknowledge him as
their Saviour (cf. Ad gentes, nn. 3, 9, 11)”
(Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
– Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples, Instruction Dialogue and Proclamation,
19 May 1991, n. 29; L'Osservatore Romano
English edition, 1 July 1991, p. III).
Indeed, as the Second Vatican Council teaches,
“since Christ died for all, and since all men are
in fact called to one and the same destiny,
which is divine, we must hold that the Holy
Spirit offers to all the possibility of coming into
contact, in a way known to God, with the
paschal mystery” (Gaudium et spes, n. 22).
This possibility is achieved through sincere,
inward adherence to the Truth, generous self-
giving to one's neighbour and the search for
the Absolute inspired by the Spirit of God. A
ray of the divine Wisdom is also shown
through the fulfilment of the precepts and
practices that conform to the moral law and to
authentic religious sense. Precisely by virtue
of the Spirit's presence and action, the good
elements found in the various religions
mysteriously prepare hearts to receive the full
revelation of God in Christ.
4. For the reasons mentioned here, the attitude
of the Church and of individual Christians
towards other religions is marked by sincere
respect, profound sympathy and, when
p o s s i b l e a n d a p p r o p r i a t e , c o r d i a l
collaboration. This does not mean forgetting
that Jesus Christ is the one Mediator and
Saviour of the human race. Nor does it mean
lessening our missionary efforts, to which we
are bound in obedience to the risen Lord's
command: “Go therefore and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit” (Mt 28:19).
The attitude of respect and dialogue is instead
the proper recognition of the “seeds of the
Word” and the “groanings of the Spirit”. In
this sense, far from opposing the proclamation
of the Gospel, our attitude prepares it, as we
await the times appointed by the Lord's mercy.
“By dialogue we let God be present in our
midst; for as we open ourselves in dialogue to
one another, we also open ourselves to God”
(Address to Members of Other Religions, Madras,
5 Feb. 1986, n. 4; L'Osservatore Romano English
edition, 10 Feb. 1986, p. 14).
May the Spirit of truth and love, in view of the
third millennium now close at hand, guide us
on the paths of the proclamation of Jesus
Christ and of the dialogue of peace and
brotherhood with the followers of all
religions!
(Note: Members of Inter Religious Dialogue Cells
are to use these reflections for discussion at their
meetings).
Sammelan XVI - 1 : Jan.-Mar. 2019 u 12
POPE FRANCIS TO MAKE A HISTORIC VISIT TO ABU DHABI
ope Francis will be breaking new
ground when he becomes the first
pontiff to set foot in the Arab Peninsula Pand visits the second most populous city in the
United Arab Emirates.
The papal visit, primarily to attend an
“International Interfaith Meeting” that will be
taking place on the theme “Human
Fraternity,” comes after invitations from
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu
Dhabi's crown prince, and from the Catholic
Church in the UAE, the Vatican said in a Dec. 6
statement.
H o l y S e e P r e s s
Office Director Greg
B u r k e s a i d t h e
Church's theme for
the visit — to “Make
Me a Channel of
Your Peace” — is the
“Pope's intention in
going to the Arab
country,” adding
that how all people
of goodwill can work for peace “will be a major
topic on this trip.”Burke said the apostolic
voyage would be similar to his visit to Egypt in
April 2017 in showing “the fundamental
importance the Holy Father gives to inter-
religious dialogue.” He added that Pope
Francis' visit to the Arab world would be “a
perfect example of the culture of encounter.”
But it comes after years of expectation of a
papal visit as the Gulf's large immigrant
population continues to grow. Many migrants
are Catholics from India, East Asia, North
America and Europe, and the majority are
employed as domestic helpers or construction
workers, often working in poor conditions.
According to UAE government figures,
around one million Christians of various
denominations live in the emirates out of the
total population of 9.5 million, and 70%-75% of
them are believed to be Catholics.
Bishop Paul Hinder of the Apostolic Vicariate
of Southern Arabia, which comprises the UAE,
Oman and Yemen, expressed his “gratitude”
to the UAE government for inviting the Pope.
In a Dec. 6 statement, he said a “special team”
would be working
“closely” with the
UAE authorities to
ensure the visit runs
a s s m o o t h l y a s
possible. He also
said he appreciated
t h e U A E
g o v e r n m e n t ' s
g e n e r o s i t y i n
allowing the Mass to
be celebrated, which
is expected to draw an enormous number of
faithful. “These are warm and kind gestures
that we appreciate and acknowledge,” he said.
Noting its historic nature, Bishop Hinder
predicted the “short visit will be momentous
for all, and especially for the Bishop of Rome.”
The Swiss bishop also said he hoped it would
mark “an important step in the dialogue
between Muslims and Christians and
contribute to mutual understanding and
peace-making in the Middle East.”
Edward PentinVatican News
