Bihar Hosts Enrichment Programme on Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue

Patna, August 20, 2026: Nearly 94 college students, animators, priests and religious are participating in a three-day enrichment training programme on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue being held at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna.

Organised by the Regional Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, Bihar, in collaboration with the CCBI Commission, the programme runs from August 19 to 21 and focuses on ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, solidarity, peace and universal brotherhood.

Participants from the dioceses of Patna, Buxar, Muzaffarpur, Bettiah, Bhagalpur and Purnia are taking part in the programme.

Bishop Cajetan Francis Osta, Chairman of the commission, inaugurated the programme with Holy Mass in the presence of the Regional Secretary and Diocesan Directors. In his address, he stressed the importance of love and solidarity for the spiritual and human wellbeing of society, recalling Jesus’ teaching, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

Fr. Ranjeet Joseph, Regional Secretary of the commission, reflected on Jesus’ encounters with people from diverse social and religious backgrounds. He cited Jesus’ interactions with the Roman centurion, the Canaanite woman and Nicodemus as examples of an inclusive approach that reaches beyond social and religious boundaries.

The training programme includes sessions introducing participants to Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Hindu spirituality. Fr. Francis CST is addressing the contribution of Christians to nation-building, while Mohammad Syed Mozaffar Raza is presenting Islamic spirituality, with particular emphasis on brotherhood, compassion, peace and harmony.

Madam Balveer Kaur is leading a session on Sikh teachings on equality, service, solidarity and peace. Pandit Satyajit Singh is presenting the Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which expresses the vision of the world as one family.

Sessions on ecumenism are being conducted by Samuel, Simon, Melfistine and other resource persons. The programme also features group discussions, writing competitions, interactive sessions and other activities designed to encourage participants to engage more deeply with questions surrounding ecumenical and interfaith relations.

The organisers said the programme aims to promote mutual understanding, strengthen interfaith dialogue and foster ecumenical solidarity among communities across Bihar.

By Catholic Connect Reporter