Interfaith journey

Pope Benedict XVI invited world religious leaders to Assisi on October 27, 2011 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the interfaith movement which has grown both in numbers and global importance. Dr Homi Dhalla, founder of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation was a member of the delegation, representing the Zoroastrian community worldwide, notes an e-mail received from him.

Interestingly, Dhalla had been present at the birth of the interfaith movement when the late Pope John Paul II convened a gathering of representatives of world religions at Assisi to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Peace on October 27, 1986. Assisi, the home of St Francis, was selected as the Pope had transformed it into a center of universal brotherhood. Dhalla recalls that he was fortunate to be able to meet Pope John Paul II who emphasized the importance of interfaith dialog and collaboration among various religions in order to foster peace. "Either we learn to walk together in peace and harmony, or we drift apart and ruin ourselves and others,” the then Pope had said. "It had a very profound influence on my life... This event actually launched me into the global interfaith movement, offering me an opportunity of projecting Zoroastrianism on the world stage,” Dhalla gratefully acknowledges.

The theme of the 25th anniversary event was "Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace.” On October 27, 2011 when Pope Benedict, along with the entire delegation, departed from the Vatican station at 8 a.m., their train slowed down at all stations between Rome and Assisi so that thousands of people who had gathered could greet and cheer the participants. The delegation was taken by bus to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels at Assisi, a charming place of worship with exquisite paintings of Biblical figures on the walls and ceiling, writes Dhalla.

Dr Homi Dhalla greets Pope Benedict XVI

Each delegate was assigned a room in the residence adjoining the Basilica for silent reflection and prayer that afternoon. Later, they walked to the Piazza San Francesco where the initial meeting had taken place 25 years earlier. The function, which was open to the public, was well attended. Devotional songs and dances depicting the message of world peace were performed, and some of the delegates were introduced to the Pope. Religious leaders read out the pledge of peace which was solemnly reaffirmed by all. As a symbolic gesture, each member carried a small lamp to underline the need to spread peace and light in the world.

The function concluded with brief remarks by the Pope following which the entire delegation returned to the Vatican that night. Some of the delegates met the Pope on the next day, and all were invited to lunch by the Cardinal Secretary of State, mentions Dhalla.