Vatican sends greetings to Hindus ahead of Diwali

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Source: Vatican Media

In traditional greetings for the Hindu feast of Deepavali, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue reflects on how Hindus and Christians can forge "pathways of peace together in 'the spirit of Assisi'."

"May God, the fount of all that is good, bless you, your families, loved ones, and communities with abundant joy, peace, and prosperity," reads a message from the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, in a message to Hindus ahead of Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights.

In extending its "warmest prayer and festive wishes", the Dicastery reflects on the first gathering of the world's religions at Assisi in 1986 at the invitation of Pope Saint John Paul II. Assisi, the Dicastery says, "thus became the setting for a historic encounter, in which people of various religions came together to pray, convinced that religions and interreligious solidarity can help address global crises and promote peace."

The commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the gathering "offers the opportunity to reflect with you on how Hindus and Christians can forge pathways of peace together, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Assisi."

The Dicastery goes on to consider a number of those pathways, including coming together "to pray with a shared commitment to peace", and nurturing "the spirit of universal fraternity exemplified by Saint Francis." "The more fraternity flourishes among us," the Dicastery says, "the more peace will take root in our hearts."

Above all, the message continues, "interreligious dialogue lies at the heart of the spirit of Assisi, because of its profound potential to advance the cause of global peace." Citing Benedict XVI, the Dicastery insists on the "vital necessity" of such dialogue.

"The spirit of Assisi is at its core a commitment to peace," the Dicastery insists, while expressing the hope that Hindus and Catholics, "as persons grounded in our respective religions, and as people with shared values" can "draw renewed inspiration" from the 40th anniversary of the gathering, and "imbibe ever more" its spirit, by praying for peace, living the spirit of fraternity, and engaging in interreligious dialogue.