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A DIALOGUE WITH THE BROTHERS OF OTHER FAITH

The land of diversity, the land of cultures, the land of multi-cuisine and the land of gods; our mother land India. The majesty of Indian society is embedded in its rich diversity. Language, food, various art forms and people from different walk of life constitutes the society of India. However, in the multi-lingual and multi-cultural setup what else could find the finest aesthetic expression than the mutual existence of different religions. The parallel existence of different religions and its influence in forming the human society was the topic of discussion in our discourse, sociology of religion. Here we attempted to view religion from a sociological perspective i.e., to derive an understanding through social analysis so as to know how does the religion functions in the daily lives of the people? How does it maintain the social structure? How does it contribute towards the achievement of an ideal life in a society?

As the first week of the course got over, we along with the professor realized that discussions on sociology of religion would be in vain; if we not philosophize in ‘the market place.’ And so, we the third-year philosophy brothers of St. Bonaventure College enthused by the course, Sociology of Religion, had a great opportunity to step forward into dialogue with brothers of other faith. We were granted three days of college working hours to go for this exposure. 
On the first day, we all went to the famous Kottiyoor temple, half an hour travelling distance from the friary. On our arrival, strange as we appeared, the manager of the temple greeted us. After introducing our purpose for the visit, we all took a short tour around the temple courtyard, as we were not permitted to enter the sanctuary where the deity is worshiped. The manager, Mr. Mohandas, was generous enough to avail himself for an hour’s dialogue. He enumerated to us the history of the temple, its organization, ritual practices and beliefs.  He also camped us across the temple yards, near the river beds, to let experience the enchantment of the nature around. At the end, he journeyed with us up to the temple gate and bid his good wishes to all of us. Simultaneously, thanks giving and fraternal good will was being captured. 

Day two exposure was planned at the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. Both the parish priests had agreed upon this meeting. Brothers participated in the Syro-Malankara Liturgy, early in the morning at 6:30 am. After which the young parish priest, Fr. Rojin, and the brothers and a fraternal dialogue. He shared with us about the beginning of the Syro-Malankara Catholics and its history. He was patient enough to answer all our questions regarding the liturgy and its symbolism. After having shared about the organization and ritual practices peculiar to the Syro-Malankara rite, Fr. Rojin along with his loving parishioners extended their hospitality, with a heavy breakfast; appam, kappa and chicken curry. Brothers sang a blessing song for all gathered and expressed our gratitude to everyone. Fr. Rojin invited the brothers for Sunday ministry. He then drove us to our next destination, the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church.

Fr. Robin, a young Syrian Malankara Marthoma priest, residing along with his wife and his mother, welcomed all the brothers into his church. We all sat down and were curious to listen to him. He also began the dialogue by sharing with us about the history of this small Christian community. He then kept open the platform for the brothers to ask questions. He also expressed the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church’s view on the Catholic Church. Towards the closing of our interaction, we welcomed him to our friary and took a group picture. 

The third day was the most awaited one; a visit to the Mosque and a fraternal dialogue with the Imam. Br. Charles Bernard had arranged for an appointment by consulting with the committee members of the Peravoor Mosque. It is the Mother Mosque of Peravoor region. The secretory of the mosque introduced us to the Imam, Musah. Br. Charles Bernard was also present at the dialogue. One of the brothers stood as the mediator and translator. Imam Musah was straight forward in his sharing about the Islamic faith. He explained to us about the core of their belief, their practices and organization. He also shared with us about the Islamic view on Jesus Christ and Mother Mary (Miriam). He gave time and opportunity for the brothers to express their feeling regarding the fraternal dialogue and kept open the forum for questions and clarifications. The committee members offered us some snakes and the dialogue went on for two hours and fifteen minutes. Though we had fear and anxiety during the meet, everything went on well. We also shared about Francis meeting Sultan. At the end, Imam Musah invited for another dialogue in order to listen to us about the Christian faith. The dialogue got over just before their noon prayer. 

Dialogue is conative in nature. It is an action that aims at moving something or someone. It’s an act of ex-change. In the phenomena of ‘ex-change’ what is being ex-changed doesn’t change but what then changes are the subject that does the act of ex-changing. Dialogue creates new horizons that orients the beings towards an inclusive maturity and not towards exclusivism. It opens us for a change in our perception of the reality. 

Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our dean of studies Br. Johnson M.V, Br. Charles Bernard, the magister and our professor, Fr. Shyam FdCC for making this exposure happen in our lives. These three days were really fruitful and full of vivid experience. Third year brothers consider this as a great opportunity to meet and have a dialogue with the religious of other faith. It shed light on the common aspects between all the religions. Importantly, we realize that this fraternal dialogue, initiated this year, has created certain impression of our presence here in Peravoor. It has also opened for us, particularly third year brothers, to carry on such inter-religious dialogues in future ministry places, especially during regency. 

Dialogue with the Imam made us to reflect on Francis’ encounter with the Sultan, especially during the crusade. It really needs courage to listen to the other and to learn and to appreciate the good in others. Francis’ commitment to the society was initiated through dialogue. He carried out dialogue with the peace of Christ. Peace and dialogue were inseparably linked in Francis’ approach towards the other, whether the wolf or the Sultan. Today, Pope Francis is a concrete example for us, in whom we see Frater Francesco and his spirit working. Where there is dialogue there is peace. Dialogue is the language of peace. And language is the home of SHALOM!     

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