Singapore Cardinal Highlights Similarities between Hinduism, Christianity in Diwali Message

Cardinal William Goh, Catholic Archbishop of Singapore, has highlighted commonalities between the Hindu and Christian faiths in a message to Hindus for Deepavali.

Released on the Archdiocesan website on November 8, the day that Deepavali (or Diwali) was celebrated, the message noted how the rangoli used in Deepavali celebrations “reflect the unity in diversity that flourishes where hearts, minds and communities are open to all”.

The rangoli is a traditional folk art where materials such as powdered limestone, dry rice flour, coloured sand, quartz powder and flower petals are used to create auspicious designs outside the front door during celebrations such as Deepavali.

“Each colour has its own vibrancy, each pattern its own symmetry, and every grain of sand or flower petal its own chosen place,” said Cardinal Goh in the message, which was also signed by Monsignor Peter Zhang, Vicar-General (Interreligious and Ecumenical Relations).

“Similarly, the diversity of faiths, cultures, traditions and beliefs in the world today reminds us that we are all part of the wondrous rangoli of humanity,” said Cardinal Goh.

He referred to the Maha Upanishad, a Hindu Sanskrit text, which states that “the whole world is one family”, and compared it with the biblical teaching that God “not only created the whole human race so that they could occupy the entire earth, but he decreed the times and limits of their habitation” (Acts 17:26).

However, a rangoli “is delicate”, Cardinal Goh observed. “Wind and careless footsteps may scatter it, so it must be made and remade by patient hands, often by family members working together.”

“In the same way, peace and harmony among peoples are fragile,” he noted, stressing that “they must be patiently restored and preserved by our faith communities, persevering together side by side.”

Cardinal Goh also observed that the diyas (small, traditional oil lamps), placed in or around a rangoli, symbolise the triumph of the light of knowledge and goodness over the darkness of ignorance and evil. “They remind us of what Jesus Christ, the Light of the World and the Wisdom of God, taught: ‘No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lampstand where it shines for everyone in the house,’” said Cardinal Goh.

And just as a rangoli is a work of art, the Bible says that “‘we are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life (Eph. 2:10),” said Cardinal Goh. “Through our good works – caring for the sick, helping the poor and the outcast, and offering consolation to those in need of comfort – the light of Christ continues to illuminate the world today.”

“We see that same goodness shine through your charitable deeds and kindness,” said Cardinal Goh. “United in our shared hope for our human family, let us then celebrate our diversity, cherish our common humanity, and continue walking together in the light of love, peace and mutual respect.”

The message wished for all Hindus that their homes “be filled with light”, their hearts “with peace” and their lives with “joy, hope and renewed blessings” as they celebrated Deepavali.