Edward Kujur sdb
NASHIK, DECEMBER 17, 2009: On December 12, 2009, the Second year students of the Salesian Institute of Philosophy - Divyadaan, as part of their annual academic activity organized a symposium on the latest encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS IN VERITATE (Charity in truth).The symposium was co-coordinated by Cl. Evangelo D’Souza, under the guidance of Fr. Valerian, Fr. Rector sdb, Fr. Robert, Fr. Wyman and Fr. Aloysius. The three speakers of the day were Cl. Joshua Alphonso, Cl. Larsen Iyengar and Cl. Ashok Lingampalli.
The entire encyclical was sketched out in gist by Cl. Bosco Carvalho, who also enfolded the role of the church, whose prime concern is not only God, Religion and Salvation of souls but in all her being and acting- when she proclaims, educates, when she celebrates, when she performs works of charity- is engaged in promoting the integral development of each and every individual. The church is not just involved; but develops and pressed forward to achieving the well-being of all humans.
Cl. Joshua Alphonso introduced the encyclical letter of the Supreme Pontiff on the Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth. He led a brief historical survey of how the church has been active in times of trials in order to uphold the dignity of human beings and empowering them through the different encyclicals down the ages. This aided the audiences to understand the perspective of the encyclical.
Cl. Larsen Iyengar presented the understanding of Rights and Duties in Caritas in Veritate. He said that the church calls each one of us to live our human vocation to love more radically and in solidarity with others by sharing our resources. The Rights are to be considered here as objective and not merely subjective. Further, he goes on to show how people are in dependent on one another in fulfilling their rights and duties which in turn brings about growth in the individual and growth in the society as whole.
Cl. Ashok Lingampalli, emphasized on the role of the church through this encyclical in challenging governments, industries, NGO’s and institutions to a reform in their works on Justice towards one another; justice that is rooted in God’s love, which enables us to continue seeking and working for the welfare of our neighbor. He also dealt upon some practical implications, as to how an individual and communities have a special role to play to bring about a change. Educators have a greater responsibility in building one’s lives and that of others on the values of the church.
The symposium proceeded further with a panel discussion and questionnaires, during which there was a certain clarifications of the terms, concepts, aspects and focus of the encyclical. There was lively participation from the part of the audiences from the various neighboring religious institutes.The symposium ended on a melodious note with the theme song composed by Cl. Nobin Narzary.