Rome:  Fr Ivan Clifford Pinto Successfully Defends Doctoral Thesis
News & Pics From Prof Fr Elias Frank
For Daijiworld Media Network —Rome (CN)

Rome, Jun 17: Fr Ivan Clifford Pinto, Ocd, successfully defended his doctoral thesis titled ‘Forgiveness and Spiritual Counselling, A Journey Toward Inner Healing’, at the Pontifical Teresianum University on Monday, June 16.

The 105-minute discussion took place in the presence of a large gathering. The research work was well-appreciated by the moderator and the relators. Prof Luis Jorge González, Ocd, the moderator, commenting on the work called it a ‘futuristic work’, while Prof Báez Silvio José, Ocd, found it ‘encyclopaedic’. 

Fr Ivan’s thesis numbering nearly 500 pages, focuses on forgiveness as a key to the total well-being of a person. The research is aimed at a secular audience since forgiveness is essential for all, irrespective of religion. A Chinese saying mentioned in Fr Ivan’s presentation summarises it all—‘he, who undertakes revenge should dig two graves’. 

The word forgiveness comes from the Greek word ‘asphesis’ meaning ‘to free’. Forgiveness, therefore, is freeing oneself from the slavery of the sentiment of revenge, remorse or guilt, thus, obtaining peace and health, explained Fr Ivan.

The Konkani Kutam in Rome did its part in encouraging Fr Ivan by being present at the discussion and rejoicing in his achievement. Fr Ivan’s cousin Sr Precilla Pereira, Ursuline, also travelled all the way from Köln, Germany, to be with him and share in his joy.