Daijiworld Media Network – Rome (VA)

Rome, Jun 4: Fr Hilario Fernandes (Pilar priest) successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the Pontifical Gregorian University here on Tuesday June 1.

In his thesis entitled, “The spirituality of inter-religious dialogue: essential element of evangelization in the light of the missionary activity of St Francis Xavier”, Fr Hilario, argues that Francis Xavier, a missionary par excellence, made a unique missionary contribution to the evangelizing mission of the Church not only in the traditional manner of preaching the Word but more so by being in contact and relating very closely with people of other faiths and cultures in his time, and sharing in their odds and difficulties.

Francis Xavier’s intimate communion with God in prayer and the Eucharist was his base for other relationships – his companions, the political authorities, and specially the people of other faiths in particular the sick, the poor, those exploited without any distinction of caste or creed etc. Inserted into the world of non-Christianity, he selflessly made himself one with all he encountered. He lived the four forms of inter-religious dialogue and poses a challenge to us, missionaries to continue this mission. In this age of dialogue, Fr Hilario persuasively challenges and appeals to those who choose to live religiously to live inter-religiously.
 
The programme included a brief presentation by Fr Hilario Fernandes, an examination on the theme and matter by the moderator and the co-relator and the declaration of the final decision of the panel by the president. Fr Hilario was then conferred with the doctorate title.

Later in the evening, at the joyful celebration hosted by the society, the central delegate superior,  Dr Theodore Mascarenhas, on behalf of the superior general, congratulated Fr Hilario Fernandes and had a word of gratitude and appreciation to the rector and staff of the Gregorian University, the dean of the faculty, the director Fr C Shelke and the co-relator.

Dr Bruno Secondin, the president of the team, the moderator, Dr Christopher Shelke, and Dr Rogelia Garcia Mateo the co-relator, Abbot general of the Norbertine Congregation, msgr T Handgraetinger, the rector, Fr Stephanus Boyle, members of the Society and some close friends were also present.