Goa Archdiocese Marks Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue with Message of Peace and Hope

The Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, western India, organized a Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue on 27 November 2025 at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. The event coincided with the fourth day of the novena leading to the feast of St. Francis Xavier. A collaborative effort with Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar, the celebration centred on the theme “Messengers of Peace, Rays of Hope.”

“Peace is the path”

Speaking at the event, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of Goa and Daman emphasized that while languages and rituals differ, “our sacred traditions converge beautifully in one common mission: to become messengers of peace and raise hope.”
Quoting Gandhi—“There is no path to peace; peace is the path”—he encouraged daily gestures of compassion and dialogue. Appreciating the organizers and participants, he concluded: “May each of us become a bearer of peace and hope… messengers of peace.”

“Preserve unity”

Renowned Konkani composer and singer Alison Gonsalves shared a personal reflection on communal harmony. “Today, I’m not here to talk about my songs. I’m here to open up a little about myself,” he said.

Recalling his childhood, he noted that school life was shaped by friendships rather than religious identity. In his village of Majorda, the church and temple stood side by side, and Catholic and Hindu families celebrated each other’s festivals. “Our community has always been united,” he affirmed.

Warning of rising disharmony, he attributed it to divisive forces: “Divide and conquer—divided people are easier to control. United people are very difficult to control.” Addressing the youth, he said, “Gen Z is the most open, informed, and vocal generation. You are the future of our world,” urging them to become ambassadors of peace.

“Where love leads, faith unites”

Quinie Valentina Monteiro of St. Aloysius High School, Benaulim, shared a moving experience that revealed the essence of religious harmony. During a school picnic, a Hindu boy collapsed with seizures. She and another Hindu teacher accompanied him to the hospital. Surrounded by symbols of Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, teachers, parents, and staff prayed together with one heart. When the boy recovered, Quinie felt “God was embracing them all.” She concluded, “Where love leads, faith unites,” noting that while prayers differ, compassion binds everyone into one human family.

“Profoundly beautiful”

Shamika Barve, a primary teacher at St. Anthony’s Primary School, Amlai, Panchwadi, shared her experience of living harmony every day. A Hindu Brahmin working in a Catholic institution, she initially hesitated but soon embraced the school’s universal values of love, compassion, respect, and service. Participating in assemblies and spiritual activities brought her peace and belonging. Joint celebrations of Catholic and Hindu festivals fostered cultural exchange and unity. She affirmed that interfaith harmony is not only possible but “profoundly beautiful.”

“Light in my darkness”

Iram Shaikh of St. Joseph High School, Aquem-Margao, shared how her school taught her the power of kindness. Both Christian and Hindu teachers believed in her and helped her grow. During a Class 9 exam, after realizing she had studied the wrong subject, a Hindu supervisor encouraged her: “Don’t forget you are Iram,” a moment she described as “light in my darkness.” Iram concluded that while religions differ, kindness unites everyone.

“Never lose hope”

Gargi Shirodkar reflected on an incident from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Wings of Fire, where a teacher said, “If you want to change the system, you will suffer objections, but never lose hope.” She related this to her friendships with classmates of different faiths—a Muslim friend supported her academically, and a Christian friend shared traditions and festive meals. She concluded that “the religion of humanity, kindness, and unity is the greatest religion,” and that small acts of kindness are true worship.

Celebrating Dialogue

Earlier, the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue organized a photography contest, “Capturing Moments of Hope,” for high school and higher secondary/college students under the Archdiocesan Board of Education. The winners were announced during the celebration. As the winning photographs were displayed, the compere described each entry briefly.

High school winners:
• Fabiza Pereira – Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem
• Caden Pereira – Jesus and Mary Sarvajanik High School, Carambolim

Higher secondary/college winners:
• Michael Mariano Carneiro – Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim
• Rohan Vinod Gawde – Don Bosco College, Panjim

Iram Shaikh and Gargi Jagdish Shirodkar also spoke on the value of dialogue and understanding among young people while sharing their interreligious experiences.

A short film titled “Dialogue,” featuring Rajdeep and Suchita, highlighted the importance of mutual listening and respect and encouraged youth to uphold harmony and safeguard Goa.

Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX, Convenor of Sadbhav (Society of Pilar), then led the pledge for peace.

Joining Hands to Celebrate Peace, Harmony, and Joy

Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro, Convenor of the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, said the jubilee brought together people of various faiths to celebrate “peace, harmony, and joy.” He noted the meaningful participation of students, teachers, and people from different religious communities. Emphasizing the event’s purpose, he said it aimed to promote unity and peace, adding, “When we join hands, we celebrate the real harmony and peace that reign among us.”

The programme included hymns on unity, a heartwarming performance by the special children of St. Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa, and musical presentations by the Crescendo Community Centre for Music, Mapusa. Students of St. Andrew’s School ICSE, Vasco-da-Gama, and the Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho-Panjim, also performed in the Sing-a-Song segment.

Fr. Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar for the North Zone, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Mr. Mariano Valadares, committee member for Inter-Religious Dialogue, delivered the vote of thanks. Alisha D’Cunha served as the anchor. The celebration concluded with a final hymn sung by the choir.