Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman in western India, has called for stronger interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and communal harmony as Hindus celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, on November 8.
In a message issued ahead of the festival, Cardinal Ferrão extended greetings to Hindu communities and urged people of different faiths to strengthen bonds of fraternity and work together for peace.
“Diwali beautifully reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness and truth over untruth,” the cardinal said, highlighting the festival's symbolism as an invitation to cultivate love and compassion.
He encouraged people to look beyond the traditional lighting of diyas (oil lamps) in their homes and kindle the values of compassion and goodwill in their relationships with others.
Referring to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Ferrão emphasized the shared responsibility of religious communities to build pathways of peace through authentic dialogue, mutual respect, and everyday encounters.
“True peace is built through authentic dialogue, mutual respect and everyday encounters,” he said.
Diwali, widely celebrated across India and in several Asian countries, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families mark the occasion by lighting lamps, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and gathering in prayer and celebration.
Concluding his message, Cardinal Ferrão wished Hindu families lasting peace, good health, and happiness, expressing hope that the festival would illuminate hearts and strengthen harmony among communities.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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