St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary in association of Focolare Mangalore, organized a special seminar on Inter Religious Dialogue: a path for future peace given by renowned speaker and eminent inter faith dialogue speaker, Prof Roberto Catalano, Co- Director of the International Office of Interreligious Dialogue, Focolare Movement and Professor at Sophia University, Rome, Italy on 17 July, 2019 at the Centenary Memorial Hall.
The Program began with prayer, which was followed by a welcome address by Br Jovin Sequeira, In charge of Focolare Mangalore. His Excellency Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, was present for the session. In his speech, Bishop Peter Paul, encouraged the seminarians to draw inspiration from the Focolare Movement and to be people of peace and dialogue.
The resource person, Prof Roberto gave a thought provoking and inspiring talk on the need of dialogue and recent trends in Inter-Faith Dialogue following up with a model methodology. Being involved in the area of dialogue for 28 years here India through the Focolare Movement, Prof Roberto shared his vast experience with the seminarians and others gathered for the program. The session was moderated by Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Professor of St Joseph Seminary. Mr Philippe Ehrenzeller, member of Focolare Bangalore was present for the seminar and shared his insights as well. Focolare Movement had its genesis in Trent, Italy when a young girl Chiara Lubich, post the second world war, decided to be a beacon of peace by starting movement of dialogue, first among the Christians and slowly to other religions. Today the movement operates in over 185 countries having consecrated members who live a life of communion and dialogue. St Joseph’s Seminary, itself, is not new to dialogue but has been constantly working towards communal harmony for a very long time. This talk certainly was another step to equip the future priests with the right method of dialogue.
Br Jeevan Lobo Emceed for the program. Br Vivian Rodrigues pronounced the sentiments of gratitude for all responsible for the success of the session. The Program was coordinated by Br Gleron Quadros.
