Yashodhar Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jul 18: Archbishop of Vasai Felix Machado visited the Jain Math here and held discussions with Bhattaraka Charukeerti Swamiji on Thursday July 17. Archbishop Machado is the president of the Commission for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Dialogue of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference.
'Exchange of views and good wishes between different religions has been going on since the Millennium World Peace Summit held in 2004 at Barcelona as a mark of brotherhood. The visit of the religious leader to the Math on the 143rd birth anniversary of Digambara Acharya Shanti Sagara has given this goodwill visit a special significance,' Charukeerti Swamiji observed.
The archbishop expressed happiness at the hospitality extended to him by the town in general and Bhattaraka Swamiji in particular. He said his thoughts have always been influenced by the preachings of Bhagawan Mahaveer and the contributions he made to the cause of world peace. He hoped that harmonious relationship Jains and Christians share between them will pave way for peace in India.
The archbishop also held discussions with the Swamiji about the plan to hold national all-religions meet at Moodbidri as a precursor to the global conference planned at Chicago in 2015.
Principal of Swastishree College here, Anantaraj Indra, was present during these discussions.