Chennai: The Franciscan Family consisting of various men and women congregations came together to celebrate the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation and the 800th anniversary of Peace-Encounter of St. Francis with the Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil
in Egypt.
Around 500 Franciscans marched towards Jamiya Masjid in Pallavaram, Chennai. The Muslim brethren welcomed the Franciscans and exchanged the sign of peace with them. After a few minutes of interaction, the march along with the Muslim brethren continued towards Periya Pallaiathamman Temple where the Hindu brethren welcomed everyone and honoured the Christian and Muslim leaders.
The Peace March then continued, Hindu brethren joining this time, towards St. Francis Xavier Church. Fr. Charles Bernard OFM, the Vicar Provincial of OFM Franciscans in India welcomed all and explained how the ideals propounded and practised by Mahatma Gandhi were relevant and need of the hour while recalling with admiration the courageous peace initiative of St. Francis in 1219 to meet the Sultan in Egypt at a time when the war and violence were at their peak.
The Hindu, Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters marched holding the placards advocating peace and harmony towards St. Theresa Girls Hr. Sec School where the Inter-Religious Peace Harmony Meet was held. Leaders across various religious were present. Alhaj S. Mohammed Baig, General Secretary of Federation of Tamilnadu Masjids in his address reminded the gathering about today’s necessity of the ideals lived out by Mahatma Gandhi, Francis of Assisi and the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil. Thiru V. Muthu Krishanan, Trustee of Periya Pallaiathamman Temple explained how the people of various religions have been living together in peace and treating one another with respect. He added saying that no religion would want any harm to anyone.
Speaking to a gathering of around 1000 participants, Most. Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Chennai appreciated the initiative to hold this Peace meet in honour of Mahatma Gandhi and St. Francis of Assisi. He echoed the sentiments of need for peace and harmony in all places and respect for different religions and cultures. Speaking on Peace, Thiru Mahamangala Buddha Vihar, Pondicherry reminded the gathering the various peace efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and called for unity.
Rev. Dr. John Sathyakumar, DD, Bishop and Deputy Moderator of Anglican Church in India, Rev. Sr. Chitra, Brahma Kumari, Rajayoga Meditation Center, Nungambakkam, Sree Goutam Munji Marasaab, Jain Saint Pujya 1008, Fr. Nithya OFM CAP., National coordinator AFFI and Thiru Dr. K R Vengetesan, Principal, Sri Sankara Arts and Science college, Kancheepuram were present too.
This Inter-Religious Peace Meet was an initiative of Rev Sr. Maria Phillomi FBS, Superior General which was supported by Rev. Sr. M. Arokiam GSJ, Superior General, Rev. Sr. Rajamani FSAG, Superior General and the Franciscan Family of Chennai.
Marching for Peace is far better than marching for war.