ASIA/INDIA - Catholic and Hindu students on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine

Tuesday, 20 September 2016 dialogue   hinduism   pilgrimages   year of mercy   students  

Mumbai (Agenzia Fides) - Catholic schools in India are traditionally places where one lives that "dialogue of life" which is the most authentic aspect of interreligious dialogue: as demonstrated by the recent initiative of the St. Andrew's School in Bandra (Mumbai) which organized an inter-Jubilee pilgrimage, carried out by more than 400 students of all religions (of which only 70 Catholics) who on September 16, started their walk at dawn up to the hill where the Basilica dedicated to Santa Maria is situated and then attended morning mass.
Speaking to Fides, Fr. Magi Murzello, Headmaster of St. Andrew's School, said: "We followed the ancient tradition of walking to the mountain, in prayer. We belong to a place, Bandra, that sees a harmonious blend of all religious communities, that live in perfect communion and fraternity. This pilgrimage brings to life the value of unity in a pluralistic country like India".
For the population of Bandra, the visit to "Monte di Maria" is an important tradition: "People of all faiths flock to the Basilica praying the Virgin to ask the Lord to grant them graces" says the headmaster. "Let us pray Mary so that she guides the path for future generations, so that they grow in the values of respect and attention and tolerance towards others". (PA-NC) (Agenzia Fides 20/09/2016)


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