By Verghese V Joseph —
Bengaluru: It was indeed a momentous occasion when the followers of St. Francis of Assisi, known as Franciscans ministering in various places in the Archdiocese of Bengaluru together with Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop commemorated the 800th anniversary of an encounter between St. Francis of Assisi, a medieval Saint from Italy and Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil of Egypt. To mark the event, an inter-religious meet on Dialogue, Peace and Harmony was organised at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School Auditorium, Bengaluru on Saturday.
In his inaugural address, Fr. Praveen Henry D’ Souza, OFM, Minister Provincial, the significance of this event can be understood in the context of the middle ages, where there were several Christian military expeditions from Europe called Crusades against the Muslims in the Middle East to gain control of the holy sites considered sacred by both Christians and Muslims.
In the year 1219, when the ruthless war was at its peak, St. Francis of Assisi undertook a different expedition to meet the Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil to propose the end of war and to encourage peace and dialogue. St. Francis met the Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil in a place called Damietta. St. Francis enjoyed the brotherly hospitality of Sultan, preached peace in the court of Sultan and returned to Italy enriched by this visit. St. Francis and the Sultan were deeply touched by each other’s humility, openness and desire for peace. This profound encounter led St. Francis to craft a new way of life for his brothers about how they could go among the Muslims as instruments of peace. This encounter between St. Francis and Sultan offers a background a model to respect, to dialogue and to live in peace as brothers and sisters despite the religious differences.
The India Context
Even though, it is 800 years ago that St. Francis undertook this journey of peace, such an initiative is indeed the need of the hour today. India, our beloved nation, is a home to people of different faiths. India has always been a nation of dialogue, peace, harmony and tolerance. The Franciscans ministering in Bengaluru and elsewhere in India are committed to promote respect for all faiths, to encourage dialogue across various religions and to create peaceful environment walking in the footprints of the founder St. Francis of Assisi.
Organized under the aegis of the Franciscans in India, Provincial Fr. Praveen D’souza in his inaugural address said he was happy to have the participation of heads from various religions. The program saw the participation of religious leaders from the Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Parsee communities.
The religious leaders who spoke to an audience of over 700 people emphasized on seeing ‘common grounds’ that unite us despite our allegiance to the Faith we profess.
Prominent religous heads who spoke at the event were Swami Tatwarupaananda Adyaksha, head of Ramakrishna Mission, Bengaluru; Mr Giani Keval Singh of Ulsoor Gurudwara; Swami Mahamunivandaru Sritha Mahagathe, Mr. Shereyar Vakil, Vice President, of the Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman, Dr J Bhavani and Dr. Mohammed Taha Mateen of Acura Speciality Hospital.
Common Humanity
Delivering his Presidential address, Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore spoke on breaking down differences and focussing on human issues. He said, “We are called to share a common humanity. ‘Being at peace with each other’ he said is a sign of God working amidst us.”
The prelate said Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil of Egypt was also a good man. At that period non-Muslims also enjoyed social and legal freedom. He highlighted the aspect that St Francis was influenced by the 99 names of traditions reference to God he had high regard for sultan. Dr Machado referred to Islam on many aspects in relation to St Francis and Sultan al-Kamil. The Archbishop also drew parallels of the five pillars of Islam — Faith (Shahadah), Prayer – five times each day (Salat), Charity or alms-giving (Zakat); Fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm) and Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). The Archbishop urged peole to be ambassadors of peace and harmony — a hallmark of India.
The proceedings began with a talk by Swami Tattwarupananda calling people to follow the footsteps of Francis of Assisi and said that the saint’s action is still relevant in today’s context.
GianiKewal Singh said that we need to experience Gurugraham – God’s presence in our lives and that we all came from one light and also strive to reach the same goal. He urged all to accept the commonality of religions and faith leads all to universal prosperity.
Swami Mahamunivandaru peppered his talk with Confucianism. He called for witnesses of faith and Dharma. He suggested that this should become a movement and the idea of living in harmony should be everyone’s ideal.
‘India My Nation and Heaven My Destination’
Delivering an inspirational talk, Mr. Shereyar Vakil rued that people have now replaced love with hate and liberally quoted from the Bible on different aspects of religious harmony and peace. He said that we need to trust each other through LOVE. Quoting Bible he said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. All should be seekers of peace as blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth and blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In today’s times, we must teach our generation to respect all people and religions.
He narrated a touching and true story of the miraculous healing of a young paralyzed woman who remained in the hospital bed. When a statue of Mary of Padua was being taken around near the hospital, she felt the vibration on the legs and she ran towards the statue. Reciting the rosary she could run to venerate the statue, though she was not a Christian. It was indeed a moment of surprise when he said the lady was none other than his mother. He also added that one need not be a Christian to have faith in Jesus and experience God’s love and mercy.
He end his talk by saying India is my nation and heaven is my destination.
Dr J Bhavani, in her speech, said only human beings make wars and go for battles. She wondered why people fight in the name of religions. It is the single person (God) who is called by different names. We are all Indians and to be extremely loving and turn to be peaceful people.
Dr. M T Mateen said people kill each other in the name of religion. “Hatred begets hatred only, greed makes people fight. Love brings love,” he added.
Entertaining and theme-based cultural dances and plays were performed by students of Jyothi Nivas College, Al-Ameen School, Vaz Dramatics Academy and St. Joseph’s College.
The programme concluded with a short candle-light procession that ended at the Indian Martyrs memorial at Brigade road with participants holding placards of peace and harmony. Hand-outs of the occasion and purpose were distributed to the public who were moving alongside the procession.
Fine initiative. Peace is the way forward.