Pilgrims of Hope: Religious Journeying Together for Peace

In a moving demonstration of unity and shared purpose, religious leaders, scholars, and believers from various faiths gathered at St. Andrew’s College Auditorium, Bandra, in the western Indian city of Mumbai, on October 4 for an interfaith event titled “Pilgrims of Hope: Religious Journeying Together for Peace.”

Organized by the Bombay Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, the event drew nearly 1,000 participants from diverse faith communities, including Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian traditions, reflecting a collective desire to build bridges of understanding and harmony.

The gathering, held on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, also marked the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, whose theme “Pilgrims of Hope” resonates deeply with the mission of dialogue and peace.

Celebrating Faith and Fraternity

In his welcome address, Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay expressed gratitude for the spirit of cooperation among religions, noting that dialogue and encounter are essential steps toward a peaceful world.

The program featured creative and inspiring presentations, songs, skits, and artistic performances, all centered on the message of peace and fraternity.

Voices for Peace

The event was graced by two senior Catholic leaders: Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay.

In his remarks, Cardinal Gracias reminded the audience that faith communities share a responsibility to foster reconciliation.

“It is the duty of every religious leader to build a culture of peace and love,” he said. “Amid the violence and divisions in our world, we are called to be agents of hope.”

Cardinal Koovakad, serving as the chief guest, called October 4 “an auspicious day” for all Catholics as they celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, the saint of simplicity and fraternal love.

“St. Francis was a pioneer of interreligious dialogue who sowed the seeds of peace,” he said. “Today’s gathering gains special meaning as we mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II document that laid the foundation for flourishing interreligious dialogue. Its principles continue to guide us to meet each other in honest and respectful dialogue.”

Faiths Speak as One

Leaders of other faith traditions also addressed the gathering, offering reflections drawn from their scriptures and teachings. They emphasized that peace begins with understanding, respect, and compassion, values deeply rooted in all religions.

Each speaker underscored the shared moral responsibility to work together for justice, social harmony, and care for creation.

A Journey Toward Hope

Inspired by the historic meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil, a timeless symbol of dialogue and courage, the gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to continue walking together as “pilgrims of hope.”

The event served as a powerful reminder that, despite differences in belief or practice, people of faith can journey together for a common cause, the peace and unity of the human family.

(Sr. Dorothy Adaha, FSP, is a Daughter of St. Paul based in Mumbai, western India.)