by Christopher Nadar
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, OCTOBER 31, 2014: On the auspicious day of Diwali the community of Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy, celebrated the 
Eucharist rejoicing in Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The chapel was lit with different kinds of candles and lights which created an atmosphere of festivity. The Eucharist was celebrated by Rev Fr. Robert Pen, the rector of the community and concelebrated by the other priest of the community.
In the homily, Fr Rector highlighted the similarities between the Diwali celebrations of the Hindus and the Catholic celebration of the occasion as Christ the light of the world. Beginning with the role of light and the origin of the celebration of Diwali, he went on to explain the theological significance of the festival. "The first recorded act of God in the creation of the heaven and earth was to say, "Let there be li
ght". Light is also a metaphor for God's own character. In Ps:-36:9 we read, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all". Light also symbolizes Word of God and Jesus is presented as the true light in the New Testament. We are also asked to be lights in the world when Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)"
He pointed out that the Biblical account locates the source of the darkness of the world in the souls of each and every one of us. He said, "Yet, the Biblical message is one of hope: we could re-make society in the light of Christ." He exhorted everyone to be lights as a celebration of the victory of Jesus, the light of the world, over the evil in the world. The celebration concluded with a festive dinner after the Eucharist.