“Love-shared is love doubled”-Archbishop tells inter-Faith gathering
Bengaluru, Dec 3: St. Mark’s Cathedral of the Church of South India on December 3rd, witnessed a confluence of people from various religions at an Inter-Faith Christmas gathering themed ‘Christmas for all’. Archbishop Rev.Dr. Bernard Moras who extended a cordial hug to his counterpart of the Karnataka Central Diocese (Bishop) the Rt.Rev.Prasanna Kumar Samuel expressed joy over the coming together of representatives of different religions.
“love shared is love doubled” Archbishop Moras told the gathering, referring how passionately Jesus shared the love of God with everyone he met, especially with the down-trodden, the voiceless and marginalized poor. Speaking of how necessary and rewarding it is to generously share what we have with others the Archbishop narrated an anecdote of how a king dismounted from his horse to seek something from a beggar who gave him three grains while the king in return gave him three tiny grains which immediately turned into precious gems.
The prelate informed the gathering of the symbolic closing of the ‘Doors of Mercy’ in Rome and across the world after a year’s contemplation on the ‘Mercy of God’. “The doors of Mercy have been closed by Pope Francis on November 20, but we are exhorted to continue to keep the doors of our heart always open and flowing with love and mercy towards other”. “All religions profess, preach, practice and acknowledge the boundless love of God. Our coming together is an endorsement of that love”, the Archbishop added.
The Rt.Rev Bishop Samuel after acknowledging and thanking Archbishop Moras for his presence said “Christmas is always a time of coming-together. Our coming together not only brings joy but also helps us see the common humanity we share and how much we relate to each other even if we are from different religious backgrounds. The Christmas story is about Jesus reaching out to the less fortunate and those yearning for our love and care”.
Mr.David Pitchamuthu, Secretary St. Marks’ Cathedral, Rev. Prem Mitra (Presbyter-in-charge) and co-pastors of the St. Mark’s Cathedral, Social Activist Pericho Prabhu, Mr.Krishna from the Bramho Samaj, Mr.Siraj from the Muslim Mr. Dhody of the Sikh community, Mr. Siddarth of the Buddhist community and Mr. Mahendra of Jain community were among those present for the fellowship meeting. Leaders representing the religious community shared their thoughts and greetings for Christmas. Leader of the Bramho Samaj also acknowledged how the Christian way of life and worship inspired the Bramho Samaj.