Our Lady of Miracles Church, Sanguem, hoasted an ‘Inter-Faith Prayer Meet’ on 2nd October 2010. The theme for this exchange was ‘Ami Devachi Rochna’ (We are God’s Creation).

Rev. Fr. Patrick Luis, the Parish Priest opened the prayer meet with a warm note of welcome. The Resource persons for the evening were, Maulana Faiz (Moollah of the local Muslim community), Shridhar Karmali (ex-teacher, Miracles High School), and Fr. Alex Luis (Director of Novices, Collem). The speakers along with the Parish Priest lighted the lamp, and invoked the blessings of the Almighty upon the evening.

Speaking at the meeting Maulana Faiz said, “We all have originated from Adam and Eve and in this sense we all are brothers and sisters and share a relationship at heart level. Then why this hatred against each other?” was the question he posed to the audience. He further said that, “we may worship The Almighty in different forms, butwe are all humans and should be there for each other in each other’s needs. He appealed to the gathering, to put behind all differences and unite together because we are the citizens of one country - India.”

Fr. Alex Luis while speaking on the theme said, “We are God’s creation and God has created us to love Him, to serve Him and to be with Him after our death. God first created humans, religion came later. Devil tries to keep us apart; he sows the seeds of enmity, but let us all use God’s wisdom and fight against the evil.” Fr. Alex further added, “We must sell our God to others through our good lives.”

Teacher Shridar Karmali in his address stressed that we should maintain unity in diversity. He stated that, “Instead of fighting in the name of religion let us celebrate the uniqueness of all religions and learn from each other and this world itself a heaven to live in.”

 The speeches were interspersed with cultural items like patriotic songs by the students from Miracles High School and Union High School. A short skit entitled ‘Mog ani Moipas: Ekcharacho Bandpas’ was staged by the parishners which showcasing the harmony and unity among the followers of the three faiths. The hall had a distinct look with decoration of leaves, banana saplings and flowers. Beautiful rangoli adorned the entrance. Mrs. Perpetua Mascarenhas and Mr. Vinay Naik were the comparers for the day. Mr. Joaquim Fernandes, PPC Moderator, proposed the vote of thanks. 

Our Lady of Miracles Church

Sanguem- Goa.