Mangalore: Peace Impossible Without Forgiveness—Fr Rony Prabhu
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (MM/RD)
Mangalore, Nov 7: Unless people forgive each other and stop retaliating, peace will not get a chance to reign. Forgiveness and reconciliation with brethren is the greatness of Christ’s preaching, said Fr Rony Prabhu, regional secretary for Inter Religious Dialogue.
Speaking at the inter religious sharing organized by the Bethany Education Society, on the occasion of their diamond jubilee celebrations on Thursday November 6, he said that Jesus came into the world when caste system was prevalent and the Jews considered themselves superior. He lived with the untouchables (Samaritans), and taught new values against discrimination, added Fr Prabhu.
Fr John Fernandes, head of chair in Christianity, Mangalore University, said that a religion begins with a spiritual movement and it is powerless and inclusive. Slowly, religion becomes a system. In 315 AD, Christianity became the religion of the Roman Empire. In the third stage, it became an instrument of a political system. In the 12th century, religion and political power had an impact in Rome, he explained.
Pramila Rao, lecturer, Canara College, said that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ is a way of life. The person who follows and protects Dharma, in return, would be protected by Dharma, she added. The Dharma advocates happiness to each individual. Therefore, communal harmony should be taught from school and a spirit of tolerance inculcated, she exhorted.
Kurshiya Begum, lecturer, St Aloysius College, said the true meaning of Islam is surrendering oneself to Almighty God and a Muslim is one who follows the way of God as shown by Islam. Islam always expects a person to speak the truth, she said.
Upholding human values and being compassionate towards fellow men is the need of the hour. A child should be taught about the similarities in all religions, she advised. Sr Jyothi, superior general, Bethany congregation, presided over the function. Fr Denis D’ Sa, administrator, Fr Muller Medical College, was the facilitator of the programme.