Cardinal Oswald Gracias Calls for Peace and Unity

Mumbai, December 16, 2024: The Archdiocese of Bombay brought the spirit of Christmas to life by hosting its annual interfaith dialogue and celebration on December 14 at the Holy Name High School auditorium in Mumbai. Presided over by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the event brought together representatives of various faiths, diplomats and members of the community to promote unity, understanding and the true spirit of Christmas. Through a blend of spiritual reflections, cultural performances and thought-provoking discussions, the evening emphasized shared values and the transformative power of faith in family and society.

The celebration began with the unveiling of the Baby Jesus in the crib, symbolizing the essence of Advent and setting a reflective tone for the evening. The Holy Name Cathedral Choir sang traditional Christmas carols, followed by a captivating performance by students from St. John the Evangelist School, Marol. The students conveyed the relevance of Christ’s birth today, focusing on the theme “Welcoming God in Our Families” and highlighting the centrality of faith in overcoming life’s challenges.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias delivered a heartfelt Christmas message, reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation and its call for humility, love and transformation. He urged families to embrace righteousness and harmony, quoting Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s vision of peace beginning in the home. Echoing Pope Francis’ call for intergenerational solidarity in the Jubilee Year 2025, the Cardinal invited attendees to become instruments of Christ’s peace in their daily lives.

A key feature of the event was a panel discussion on the theme “Christmas: Welcoming God in the Family,” moderated by Royston Braganza, CEO of Grameen Capital. Esteemed representatives from Hinduism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Jainism and Christianity shared insights into how their traditions view the family as a foundation for spiritual growth and societal harmony. Swami Dayadhipananda (Hinduism) emphasized the transformative power of inner peace and spiritual harmony in families, while Dr. Surinder Kaur (Sikhism) highlighted Guru Nanak’s teachings on discovering God within and creating sanctuaries of His presence. Ms. Binaifer Sahukar (Zoroastrianism) stressed empathy and mental well-being as key to strong family dynamics, and Suhail C.G. (Islam – Ahmadiyya) called for love, peace, and integrity to foster God’s presence in relationships. Salman Khan (Islamic scholar and environmentalist) underscored the importance of God-consciousness and moral values, balancing love and discipline within families. Deacon Navin D’Silva (Christianity) reflected on the sacramentality of marriage and the grace that faith-centred families embody, while Swami Devendra Brahmachari (Jainism) advocated for peace, nonviolence, and a divine perspective to strengthen family life.

The speakers explored themes of inner peace, divine presence, empathy and moral values, providing practical guidance for fostering unity and addressing modern challenges like materialism, social media misinformation, and fragmented family relationships.

The evening concluded with a vibrant dance performance by parishioners of St. Anthony’s Parish, Saki Naka. Participants departed with the shared mission of carrying the Christmas message of love and unity into their communities, embodying the essence of Advent.

Through this inspiring interfaith celebration, the Archdiocese of Bombay demonstrated how faith and dialogue can foster harmony in a world often divided, offering a luminous example of the peace and joy of Christ’s birth.

By Fr. Nigel Barrett