It was an Inter-Novitiate Course that really shook us up and made us listen with total attention. The third Inter-Novitiate Course of the year on the topic "Fundamentalism and Inter-Religious Dialogue" was held from 19 to 21 September. No other person would have been apt to take the lead other than Fr Terence Farias, Superior of Manvi Jesuit Mission. As time passed by and as new ideas were introduced to us, our misgivings about other religious persuasions bit the dust. Fr Terence with his characteristic flair and expertise showed us the need to respect all religions as pathways to one God who makes no distinctions. The words “People of other faiths are not our competitors rather they are our collaborators”, from the Second Vatican Council was the slogan of the entire course.
The gritty videos on Mangalore Church attacks and the plight of the tormented Christians of Kandhamal showed us how mishandling of the idea of religion for ulterior motives can wreak havoc on innocent faithful. We are called to be truly religious and truly loving and caring persons. Let us join together and give witness to the liberation of our country. “There are many faiths, but the spirit is one, in me, in you and in everyone” Leo Tolstoy.
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