by Placida Nazareth for BIS Mumbai

As stated by Pope Francis ‘Peace is a responsibility incumbent on all of us’. St Joseph’s Wadala observed a day of prayer for peace in the world on October 1, 2024. Eminent speakers of different faiths participated in the prayer service along with the students and teachers that was organized under the guidance of Principal Fr Solomon Rapol. This was the first time that such a meet took place.

The event brought together esteemed scholars and representatives of various faiths to engage in meaningful dialogue about peace and harmony across religious boundaries. The inter-religious peace conference featured speakers like- Mr Appa Saheb Kage, Mr Mufti Bilal Khan, Mrs Forum Devang Shah and Fr Solomon Rapol. The program began with invoking God’s presence through a prayer and lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries. 

This was followed by each speaker sharing their insights on how their respective traditions promote peace and co-existence. Their discussions emphasized the importance of understanding and tolerance among different faiths and communities in fostering a culture of peace. The readings from the Holy Scriptures of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism were followed by reflections which were imbibed by all in a true spirit.

Mr Appa Saheb Kage shared his thoughts on peace and stated that the Indian civilization from the very beginning is based on the co-existence of faith. Mr Mufti Bilal Khan expressed his views saying that Islam teaches peace and love for all mankind. Mrs Forum Devang Shah emphasized on inner peace which in turn would lead to spreading of external peace. Fr. Solomon Rapol spoke about the birth and death of Jesus Christ and said how Jesus came into the world to spread peace among people by not seeking revenge but seeking peace through forgiveness. He also mentioned the objective of the Peace Day inter-religious faith is to bring harmony in the thought process of children. Promoting religious tolerance and non-violence. Children are our future. Change in children will lead to change in family and community and bring peace in the world at large. 

All the speakers of the day highlighted and shared values of compassion, forgiveness and love that transcend religious differences, calling for collective action to address contemporary challenges such as violence and discrimination. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the principal of the school Fr Rapol where he thanked the guest for participating in the prayer service for peace. He also extended his thanks to the teachers in charge, teachers Flavia, Atul, and Rahul for their painstaking efforts and for spectacularly coordinating the program, to ensure that everything went off well. He also thanked the students for their ever-ready participation and cooperation.

St. Joseph’s High School remains dedicated to nurturing a conducive environment that encourages dialogue and mutual respect among diverse cultures and religions. All the students and teachers experienced the real spirit of religious harmony and peace through this program.

Oneness is the need of the hour and can only be promoted if, instead of ‘I,’ all believe in the power of ‘We’.