Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue Celebrated at Old Goa

Goa, November 27, 2025 — The Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue was celebrated on 27 November in a specially erected pandal near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, coinciding with the fourth day of the novena leading to the feast of St. Francis Xavier. The event, organised by the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in collaboration with Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar, revolved around the theme “Messengers of Peace, Rays of Hope.”

The celebration opened with a symbolic act of unity as representatives of various faiths planted a sapling together. Each participant added soil and water, highlighting a shared commitment to nurturing peace and harmony in society.

Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Bishop Simião Fernandes, delivered a message stressing that authentic peace begins when individuals choose understanding over division. He urged the gathering to become daily instruments of harmony and reminded them that hope becomes a guiding light when people support one another across barriers of caste, creed, and religion.

A prayer dance presented by the FMCK Sisters, novices of FMCK, and members of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth added a spiritual dimension to the programme.

Composer and lyricist Alison Gonsalves, known for the Goan song “Rosalina”, offered a brief reflection accompanied by a short hymn, calling on the audience—especially the youth—to become “healers of unity” and ambassadors of peace.

Sharing her lived experience of inter-religious harmony, Mrs Quinie Valentina Monteiro of St. Aloysius High School, Benaulim, said true unity is most visible when people of different faiths stand together in moments of crisis. While prayers may differ, she noted, compassion and love unite all as one human family.

Mrs. Shamika S. Barve of St. Anthony’s High School, Panchwadi, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that harmony thrives when individuals of different faiths live with mutual respect, shared values, and openness to one another’s traditions.

A segment titled “Capturing Moments of Hope” showcased the winning photographs from high school and higher secondary/college categories, accompanied by brief descriptions from the compere. The high school winners were Fabiza Pereira of Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, and Caden Pereira of Jesus and Mary Sarvajanik High School, Carambolim. In the senior category, Michael Mariano Carneiro of Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim, and Rohan Vinod Gawde of Don Bosco College, Panjim, took the top honours.

Students Iram Shaikh of St. Joseph High School, Aquem-Margao, and Gargi Jagdish Shirodkar of Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim, spoke about the significance of dialogue and understanding among young people while sharing their own inter-religious experiences.

A short video titled “Dialogue”, featuring Rajdeep and Suchita, underscored the importance of mutual listening and respect. They appealed to young minds to safeguard harmony in Goa. Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX, Convenor of Sadbhav, led the gathering in a pledge for peace.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro, Convenor of the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, said the jubilee had brought together people of multiple faiths to celebrate “peace, harmony, and joy.” He emphasised that students, teachers, and people from diverse religious backgrounds actively participated, reaffirming the event’s purpose of promoting a peaceful society. “When we join hands, we can celebrate real harmony and the peace that reigns among us,” he added.

The programme also featured hymns on unity, a heartfelt musical performance by the special children of St. Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa, and musical presentations by the Crescendo Community Centre for Music, Mapusa. Sing-a-Song performances by students of St. Andrew’s School ICSE, Vasco-da-Gama, and the Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho-Panjim, added vibrancy to the event.

Fr. Tomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar for the North Zone, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Mr. Mariano Valadares, a committee member for Inter-Religious Dialogue, delivered the vote of thanks. Alisha D’Cunha anchored the celebration, which concluded with a final hymn sung by the choir.

Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue Celebrated at Old Goa

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