Bishop Simião Fernandes Calls for Unity and Peace at Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue in Goa

Goa, November 27, 2025: Delivering an inspiring message at the Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman reminded the audience that unity does not require uniformity but flows from a shared longing for peace and hope across religious traditions. Organised by the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, in collaboration with Sadbhav of the Pilar Society, the celebration centred on the theme “Messengers of Peace, Rays of Hope.”

The Prelate described the gathering as “a grace-filled moment for each one of us, together as one human family.” This Jubilee was held in the pandal erected for the Novena and feast of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa. 

Bishop Fernandes highlighted that while languages and rituals may differ, “our sacred traditions converge beautifully in one common mission: to become messengers of peace and raise hope.” Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s famous insight, “There is no path to peace; peace is the path,” he urged participants to embrace daily gestures of compassion and respectful dialogue.

He also recalled the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi—“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”—as well as the Dalai Lama’s teaching that “peace does not mean absence of conflicts… Peace means resolving issues through peaceful means.” True peace, he stressed, requires courage, humility, and a willingness to understand rather than overpower.

Turning to the theme of hope, the Bishop called it humanity’s lifeline in an age of uncertainty. He cited Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “We must accept finite disappointments, but never lose sight of infinite hope,” and Helen Keller, who affirmed that “Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” He reminded the gathering of Saint John Paul II’s words—“Do not be afraid, do not lose hope”—and recalled Pope Francis’ message for the Jubilee Year: “Hope does not disappoint us.”

Bishop Fernandes affirmed that the day’s celebration itself was “a sign that dialogue is stronger than division and fraternity is stronger than fear.” He expressed deep appreciation for the organisers, including the Office for Inter-Religious Dialogue led by Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro and Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX , Convenor of ‘Sadbhav’ of the Society of Pilar. He also thanked the students and performers whose contributions enriched the programme.

He concluded with a call to action: “May each one of us become a bearer of peace and hope—offering peace where there is despair and being a ray of hope where there is darkness.” He invited all present to leave renewed, determined to brighten the world by being “messengers of peace.”

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD