Amidst the joyful anticipation of the Advent season, the Archdiocese of Bombay brought the spirit of Christmas to life by hosting its annual interfaith dialogue and celebration on December 14th. The Holy Name High School auditorium in Mumbai became a vibrant gathering space where representatives of various faiths came together to celebrate unity and understanding. Presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the event radiated a message of peace and harmony, showcasing the shared values that bind humanity. Adding to the occasion’s significance was the presence of distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, further enriching this inspiring evening of dialogue and hope.
A Celebration Rooted in Faith and Tradition
The evening commenced with the unveiling of the Baby Jesus in the crib—a moment of profound spiritual significance. This simple straw crib in which lay the baby Jesus overlooked by his Mother Mary and Foster Father Joseph set the tone for the evening, drawing hearts and minds toward the essence of the Advent season. The Holy Name Cathedral Choir followed with an uplifting medley of traditional Christmas carols, their angelic voices inspiring joy and togetherness among attendees.
Adding a creative dimension to the gathering, students from St. John the Evangelist School, Marol, performed a thought-provoking presentation on the Christmas story. Through a combination of skits and music, the young performers conveyed the enduring relevance of Christ’s birth in contemporary life. With the theme “Welcoming God in Our Families,” the students highlighted the transformative power of faith, illustrating how God’s presence can shine as a beacon of hope amid the struggles and darkness of today’s world.
The children’s performance underscored the vital role of family as the foundation of society. They reminded the audience that while life’s challenges may persist, a family centred on God can overcome adversity with love and mutual support. The message was clear: welcoming God into our lives dispels darkness, allowing His light to radiate hope and love through every family.
An Interfaith Dialogue on Family and Faith
A key highlight of the evening was a panel discussion on the theme, “Christmas: Welcoming God in the Family.” Moderated by Royston Braganza, CEO of Grameen Capital, the panel brought together esteemed representatives from different faith traditions to reflect on the role of family in nurturing spiritual values and unity.
Each speaker provided unique insights from their tradition:
1. Swami Dayadhipananda (Hinduism) stressed the importance of inner peace and spiritual harmony within families. He explained that cultivating divine qualities within oneself can transform families into reflections of a universal human family.
2. Dr. Surinder Kaur (Sikhism) explored familial values rooted in Guru Nanak’s teachings. She emphasized that God resides within every human soul and that trials and struggles help us discover our divine nature. When families focus on this inner divinity, they become sanctuaries of God’s presence.
3. Ms. Binaifer Sahukar (Zoroastrianism) highlighted empathy and mental well-being as essential to strong family dynamics. She urged families to focus on the positive aspects of life and find hope in every circumstance.
4. Suhail C.G. (Islam – Ahmadiyya) spoke of the interconnectedness of faith, morality, and family life. He called for love, peace, and integrity to permeate family relationships, fostering an environment where God’s presence is felt.
5. Salim Khan (Islamic scholar and Environmentalist) emphasized nurturing God-consciousness and moral values within families. He reflected on the balance between love and discipline, underscoring that family life thrives when founded on principles of morality and gratitude.
6. Deacon Navin D’Silva (Christianity) elaborated on the sacramentality of marriage and the ways in which God’s grace enriches family life. He stressed that families centred on faith are beacons of love and understanding.
7. Swami Devendra Brahmachari (Jainism) underscored peace and nonviolence as foundational to family life. He urged families to embrace a divine perspective that prioritizes compassion and spiritual reflection over worldly distractions.
Addressing Challenges in Family Life
As the discussion deepened, moderator Royston Braganza invited panellists to identify key challenges facing families today and offer solutions from their respective faith traditions.
Suhail C.G. highlighted the dangers of social media misinformation, moral decline, and materialism. He advocated for mature spiritual formation, urging parents to in still genuine faith convictions in their children.
Dr. Surinder Kaur pointed to the fragmentation of family life caused by a lack of quality time. She emphasized dialogue and moral living as pathways to healing and unity.
Ms. Binaifer Sahukar warned against cycles of negativity, urging families to be ambassadors of hope in a flawed world.
Swami Dayadhipananda identified unhealthy lifestyle choices as a root cause of familial discord. He called for holistic living through healthy thoughts, habits, and environments.
Salim Khan addressed greed and vengeance as threats to family harmony. He proposed humility, reconciliation, and moral discipline as antidotes to these destructive tendencies.
Swami Devendra Brahmachari encouraged families to cultivate a state of “being” rather than constant “doing.” He emphasized adopting divine perspectives to foster understanding and peace.
Deacon Navin D’Silva warned against materialism and consumerism, calling for humility and simplicity as keys to a God-cantered family life.
The panellists unanimously agreed that families are the cornerstone of society, and faith provides the moral compass needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Echoes of Pope Francis’ Vision
The discussion echoed the themes of Pope Francis’ upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, which calls for a social covenant that prioritizes family values and intergenerational solidarity. The Holy Father’s words in Hope Does Not Disappoint Us served as an inspiration for the evening, reminding participants of their shared responsibility to foster hope and fill the world’s “empty cradles” with love and purpose.
A Cardinal’s Call to Peace
In his Christmas message, Cardinal Oswald Gracias reflected on the prophetic words of Isaiah: “For unto us a Child is born.” He reminded the gathering of the mystery of the Incarnation—God dwelling among humanity in simplicity and humility—and invited attendees to become instruments of Christ’s peace. Quoting former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said, “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is harmony in the house; when there is harmony in the house, there is order in the nation; when there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”
The Cardinal urged families to reflect Christ’s light and hope in their daily lives, emphasizing that the true essence of Christmas lies in transforming hearts and communities through love and selflessness.
A Joyful Conclusion
The evening concluded with a vibrant dance performance by Geeta and Alisha from St. Anthony’s Parish, Saki Naka, whose graceful movements captured the joy of the season. As participants shared moments of fellowship and conversation, they left with renewed hope and inspiration to carry the Christmas message into their own communities.
This interfaith celebration encapsulated the spirit of Advent—an invitation to unity, dialogue, and the celebration of God’s presence in our shared humanity. In a world often divided by differences, the Archdiocese of Bombay offered a luminous example of harmony and love, inviting all to experience the peace and joy of Christ’s birth