Interreligious Dialogue Takes Centre Stage at Basilica Rectors' Meet in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, July 29: Basilica Rectors from across the Latin Catholic Church in India reflected on the vital role of Basilicas in fostering interreligious dialogue, peace and social harmony during their Annual General Body Meeting being held in Pondicherry.

The day's sessions were animated by Rev. Dr. Vincent Shekar, S.J., who highlighted that Basilicas, as prominent centres of pilgrimage and faith, are uniquely placed to promote dialogue among religions and cultures in the Indian context. He stressed that Basilicas should become vibrant spaces where mutual respect, human fraternity and social friendship are nurtured, thereby contributing to peace and harmony at the grassroots.

Participants engaged in prayerful discernment and dialogue on how Basilicas can strengthen their mission as centres of both interreligious dialogue and evangelization while remaining faithful to the Gospel and responsive to India's rich cultural and religious diversity.

The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai, Rector of the Santhome Basilica, Chennai, as the principal celebrant. The principal concelebrants were Fr. Jovito D'Souza, S.J., Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa, and Fr. John Chalil, S.D.B., Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Bandel, Kolkata.

The morning prayer was led by Fr. P. J. Samson, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, Poondi. Additional prayer services during the day were led by Fr. Martin Rawat, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces, Sardhana, Meerut and Fr. Albert Lakra, Rector of the Basilica of the Divine Motherhood of Our Lady, Ranchi.

The proceedings were coordinated by Fr. S. Pitchaimuthu, Rector of the Sacred Heart Basilica, Pondicherry, and President of the Association of Basilica Rectors of India (ABRI), together with Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, and Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI.

The Annual General Body Meeting has brought together Rectors from 26 of the 30 Latin Catholic Basilicas in India to reflect on their shared mission, strengthen collaboration, and develop a common pastoral vision for the country's Basilicas. The gathering concludes on July 30 with the adoption of the Association's statutes and a roadmap for future initiatives.

By Catholic Connect Reproter