“Not merely an academic, but a spiritual experience”

“This meeting has been a spiritual experience, not just an academic exercise. We have all experienced the closeness of God. We were given an introduction to the Christian tradition, which we already knew something about. But it was Chiara’s personal and spiritual experience, her experience of God, which enriched us in a special way, because it is so similar to what our own saints have experienced.”

This is what the Director of The Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham Cultural Institute of the Somaiya University of Vidyavihar (Bombay), Dr. Kala Acharya, declared in an interview with Vatican Radio.

Preparations began well in advance in India and at the Center of the Focolare Movement in order to meet everyone’s high expectations. The symposium went well beyond the expected. Something new and great began making itself felt from the very start. In her greetings, Chiara Lubich confirmed the impression that everyone had in their heart. “I think an unknown horizon is being thrown wide open before us.”

Cardinal Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay was present at the opening, as well as Mons. Felix Machado who represented the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

“The various scholars profoundly expressed their traditions and convictions in a climate of openness and brotherhood,” explained Prof. Giuseppe Zanghì, co-head of the Focolare Movement’s Centre for Interreligious Dialogue. “Everything was carried out at a high academic level, while at the same time was penetrated and nourished by an intense spirituality. Truly, we were mutually enriched. On our part, we were introduced into an ancient culture that certainly holds human treasures, but not only human. I am not afraid to acknowledge that it also contains important divine wealth as well, which we need to make our own so that dialogue is sincere.”

The Focolare Movement’s Centre for Interreligious Dialogue organized the symposium together with Prof. Kala Acharya.

Future Prospects

The President of the Somaiya University and son of the founder, Dr. Shantilal K. Somaiya: “Chiara will be coming to visit India in January 2003. There is continual progress in our relations as well as a profound unity and reciprocal love. Dialogue is at the top of the agenda for the Third millennium. I am certain that Religions will learn to understand each other as well as live and work together for humanity’s benefit. This is the objective.”
Dr. Kala Acharya: “What we have started will certainly have a following, and I am sure it will flourish.”
Prof. Zanghì: “A window has been opened, a reality which will have important developments. ”

Interesting first fruits: A representative of the Rissho Kosei-kai Japanese Buddhist Movement was present as an observer. A similar encounter with Buddhists is being projected for 2003.

An Audience with the Pope

On Wednesday, June 19, the participants of the Symposium were present at the Pope’s General Audience in the Paul VI Hall. The Pope greeted them and a group photo was taken.

Who is the Pope for the Hindus?
Dr. Somaiya: “He is a great spiritual leader.”
Dr. Kala Acharya: “For the Hindus, a Saint is a Saint. It is something that goes beyond religious boundries … And the Pope is the great Saint whom I respect.”

(from an interview with Vatican Radio)