Vatican’s message for Deepavali 2017
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| Deepavali or Diwali is the Hindu festival of light.- RV |
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican has issued a message
for the Hindu festival of Deepavali or Diwali, inviting Christians and Hindus to join hands to create a
healthy society, by going beyond toleranceand genuinely respecting
and appreciating the “diversity of cultures and customs within our
communities.”
The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue on Monday released its message for the annual festival of
lights, which this year is celebrated on Oct. 18 or 19 in various parts of
India.
“What is also needed is genuine respect and
appreciation for the diversity of cultures and customs within our communities,
which in turn contribute to the health and unity of society as a whole,” said
the message signed by Council president, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and
President and Secretary, Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot.
Please find below the text of the message of the
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue for Deepavali 2017:
"Christians and Hindus:Going beyond tolerance"
Dear Hindu Friends,
On behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue, we offer cordial greetings to all of you as you celebrate Deepavali
on 19 October 2017. May this festival of lights illumine your minds and lives,
bring joy to your hearts and homes, and strengthen your families and
communities!
We can rightfully acknowledge the many wonderful things that
are happening throughout the world, for which we are very grateful. At the same
time, e are also mindful of the difficulties which confront our communities and
which deeply concern us. The growth of intolerance, spawning violence in many
parts of the world, is one such challenge we face today. On this occasion, therefore,
we wish to reflect on how Christians and Hindus can together foster mutual
respect among people – and go beyond tolerance, in order to usher in a more
peaceful and harmonious era for every society.
Tolerance certainly means being open and patient with
others, recognizing their presence in our midst. If we are to work for lasting
peace and true harmony, however, tolerance is not enough. What is also needed
is genuine respect and appreciation for the diversity of cultures and customs
within our communities, which in turn contribute to the health and unity of
society as a whole. To see pluralism and diversity as a threat to unity leads
tragically to intolerance and violence. Respect for others is an important
antidote to intolerance since it entails authentic appreciation for the human
person, and his or her inherent dignity. In the light of our responsibility to
society, fostering such respect demands showing esteem for different social,
cultural and religious customs and practices. It likewise demands the
recognition of inalienable rights, such as the right to life and the right to
profess and practise the religion of one’s choice.
The path forward for diverse communities is thus one marked
by respect.While tolerance merely protects the other, respect goes further: it
favours peaceful coexistence and harmony for all. Respect creates space for
every person, and nurtures within us a sense of “feeling at home” with others.
Rather than dividing and isolating, respect allows us to see our differences as
a sign of the diversity and richness of the one human family. In this way, as
Pope Francis has pointed out, “diversity is no longer seen as a threat, but as
a source of enrichment” (Address at the International Airport of Colombo, 13
January 2015). On yet another occasion, the Pope urged religious leaders and
believers to have “the courage to accept differences, because those who are
different, either culturally or religiously, should not be seen or treated as
enemies, but rather welcomed as fellow-travellers, in the genuine conviction
that the good of each resides in the good of all” (Address to the Participants
in the International Peace Conference, Al-Azar Conference Centre, Cairo, Egypt,
28 April 2017).
We are challenged then to go beyond the confines of tolerance
by showing respect to all individuals and communities, for everyone desires and
deserves to be valued according to his or her innate dignity. This calls for
the building of a true culture of respect, one capable of promoting conflict
resolution, peace-making and harmonious living.
Grounded in our own spiritual traditions and in our shared
concern for the unity and welfare of all people, may we Christians and Hindus,
together with other believers and people of good will, encourage, in our
families and communities, and through our religious teachings and communication
media, respect for every person, especially for those in our midst whose
cultures and beliefs are different from our own. In this way, we will move
beyond tolerance to build a society that is harmonious and peaceful, where all
are respected and encouraged to contribute to the unity of the human family by
making their own unique contribution.
We wish you once again a joyful celebration of Deepavali!
Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran President
Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ
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