Dear Goanetters,
Our politicians are working for our human integral development. We know
their temptation for corruption and criminalization of politics. Yet we
respect them and eagerly wait for the results of their endeavours. All
religions should work for the human dignity, human rights, human integral
development. I am giving a little text of the Catholic Church (Pontifical
Council for Interrreligious Dialogue) on a call to all religions and men of
goodwill, in particular to collaboration between the Church and the Hindu
community for human integral development (given on the occasion of their
festival Deepavalli).
(Cf.http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20091017_diwali_en.html)
"Christians and Hindus: Committed to Integral Human Development
Dear Hindu Friends,
(1. It is my joy to greet you all, once again, in the name of the Pontifical
Council for Interreligious Dialogue: a Happy Deepavali! Religious Festivals
enable us to revitalize our relationship with God and one another. May this
Festival of Lights, while elevating our minds and hearts towards God, the
Supreme Light, strengthen fellowship among us and bless us all with
happiness and peace.
2. Honouring the tradition of this Pontifical Council to share a thought on
matters of common concern, I would like to propose this year that we reflect
on the need to work together for integral human development).
**3. Integral human development implies the advance towards the true good of
every individual, community and society, in every single dimension of human
life: social, economic, political, intellectual, spiritual and religious.
Pope Paul VI described it as "development of the whole man and of all men"
(Populorum Progressio, 1967, no. 42) "from less human conditions to those
which are more human" (Ibid., no.20). And Pope Benedict XVI wrote recently
that "integral human development presupposes the responsible freedom of the
individual and of peoples" (Caritas in veritate, no. 17).
4. Such authentic human development can be achieved only by assuming a
shared responsibility for one another and by seriously engaging in
collaborative action. This springs from our very nature as human beings and
our belonging to one human family.
5. In the process of integral development, protection of human life and
respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of the person, are a
responsibility of everyone, both individually and collectively.
6. Respect for others therefore implies the recognition of their freedom:
freedom of conscience, thought and religion. When persons feel respected in
their primary choice as religious beings, only then are they able to
encounter others and cooperate for the progress of humanity. This shapes a
more peaceful social order conducive to development.
7. Integral human development also requires the political will to work
towards ensuring greater protection of human rights and peaceful
co-existence. Development, freedom and peace are inextricably linked
together, and they complete one another. Lasting peace and harmonious
relations emerge in an atmosphere of freedom; so also, integral human
development is accomplished in an environment of peace.
Let us all, as people of good will, join together to dispel every darkness
that hinders a true vision of co-existence, religious harmony and integral
development for each and every person.
(May Deepavali be an occasion to celebrate our friendship and boldly
proclaim the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and work
together to bring about an era of true freedom 'for all' and integral human
development 'of all'.
My best wishes, once again, for a splendid and joyous Deepavali)."
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
President
Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata
Secretary
Regards.
Fr.Ivo
* * *
The book people are already talking about: Goanetter Selma Carvalho's *Into
the Diaspora Wilderness*. Launch on July 25, 2010 at the UK Goan Festival
[http://goafest.itpsworld.net] Goa launch next month. See
http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/ Buy at Broadway's, Panjim [Ph
9822488564] at Rs 295 in Goa. Overseas, postage extra.
* * *
