Laudato Sii, O mi Signore! Franciscan Family Hosts ‘Shanthi Samarasya’- A Inter-Religious Get-Together
Laudato Sii, O mi Signore’ means ‘Praise be to you, O my Lord’! Franciscan Family of in Mangaluru and Udupi Hosts ‘Shanthi Samarasya’- A Unique Inter-Religious Get-Together to Commemorate the 800th Anniversary of St Francis of Assisi Meeting Sultan of Egypt Al-Malik Al Kamil in 1219, and also the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at St Anne’s Friary, Mangaluru.
Mangaluru : On the occasion of the eighth centenary (88th Anniversary) of the meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt Al-Malik Al Kamil which took place in Damietta in 1219, and to start a collective reflection on the historical significance of the meeting between Francis and the Sultan and to reflect on today’s aspects in view of an inter-religious dialogue between different cultures, The Franciscan Family of Mangaluru and Udupi hosted “SHANTHI SAMARASYA”- a Inter-Religious Get-Together at the St Anne’s Friary, Jail Road-Mangaluru.
Eight hundred years ago this spring, St. Francis of Assisi and a single companion left on what may still appear as foolhardy an errand today as it did back then – to meet (and attempt to convert) the Muslim Sultan of Palestine, Syria, and Egypt: Al-Malik Al-Kamil. As far as we can know based on the historical record, this was the first ever meeting of its kind. Never before had two such powerful (or Holy) people from their respective faiths met in a spirit of peace and understanding.
The backdrop of the visit was the Fifth Crusade and the siege of the Egyptian city of Damietta, located along a tributary of the Nile River and situated near the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Though Francis had seen war between city-states before in his native Italy, nothing had prepared him for the sight of carnage on this scale. Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil was a devout Muslim could have had St Francis of Assisi killed for trying to convert him. The Sultan spared the life of St Francis. It is not exactly known what St. Francis and the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil discussed, but historians say Francis returned home a changed man and impressed about his experience with the Sultan. And the to commemorate such a unique meet between St Francis of Assisi and Sultan of Egypt, the Franciscan Fathers hosted this Unique Get-together which was attended by a large gathering.
The Get-Together began with a prayer song by the Sisters of Franciscan Servants of Mary (Nazareth Convent), Balmatta-Mangaluru, followed by welcome address by Fr Melwyn D’souza OFM Cap-the Director of St Anne’s Friary. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Fr Chethan Lobo OFM Cap-the PRO of Diocese of Udupi; Maulana Uk-Abdul Aziz-the Imam of Jumma Masjid-Surathkal; Br Ranjan Bellarpady- Chief Coordinator of Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission Swacch Manas, Swacch Soch and Youth Programmes; along with Fr Melwyn D’souza OFM Cap; Sr Rita Vas- UFS-Provincial of Ursuline Congregation and Se Dulcine Crasta- UFS, the moderator of the Get-Together.
Fr Chethan Lobo was introduced by Fr Lancy Rebello OFM Cap; Br Ranjan Bellarpady and Maulana Uk-Abdul Aziz were introduced by Fr Richard D’souza-the Director of Canara Communications Centre, Mangaluru. Fr Chethan Lobo in his key note address explained the relevance of the celebration of the occasion of St Francis Assisi meeting the Sultan of Egypt during the 5 Crusade in 1219. He said St Francis bold action of meeting the enemy changed the attitude of Sultan and there after it became a historical event. He further said St Francis Assisi prayed for peace and he addressed all the creatures of the earth as brothers and sisters. Two Villains are ruling the earth and destroying it Viz PROFIT and Development.In the name of profit and development the earth is destroyed .He also stressed the need of Peace in this world .
Br Ranjan Bellarpady with witty humour spoke about the values that st Francis of Assisi propagated especially value of protecting the mother earth. He explained how Ramakrishna Mission took initiative through Swachch Mangaluru Abhiyan and Urban Forest concept to create lung zones in Mangaluru.He also spoke about waste Management in Mangaluru and how the Pachchanady dumping yard destroyed the whole Mandara village.The RamakrIshna mission has introduced Pot manure by using wet waste in the house
Maulana UK Abdul Aziz Darimi through various life instances and stories very well explained how to achieve peace in our lives.Religions never propagate violence if they do then they are not religions at all.Its the politicians and Goverment at times uses religion as the trump card to achieve their selfish motives.Real peace lies on the heart of Human being which no one can take away.The purpose of all religions is same to experience the Peace of the one God, the names may differ.
Following the vote of thanks by Sr Rita Vas, and after lunch, a Eucharistic Mass was celebrated by Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Aloysisu Paul D’souza, along with bevy of OFM clergy. The opening prayer was led by Sr Maggie and group of Nazareth Convent; Holy Eucharist Choir was led by Capuchin Novices-Mone Mariano, Farangipet; Introduction of Mass was done by Sr Sujatha and group-of Holy Cross Sisters, Neermarga, Mangaluru; Readings during the Mass was by Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters-Vijayadka; Prayers of the Faithful by Regular Franciscan Tertiary Sisters-Sullia; and the Homily was said by Fr PrashanthFernandes OFM, St Antony’s Bannur.
The Mass was followed by cultural programme comprising of- Welcome Dance by Ursuline Novices-Somarpann novice; Canticle of Creation by Fr Melwyn D’souza and Suresh Attavar; Sr Francis of Assisi Meeting Sultan by Capuchin Postulates from Moodubelle; Skit on Sr Francis by Secular Franciscan Order-Mangaluru region; Programme Skit by Capuchin Orientation Brothers-Dayalbagh; and Prayer for Peace by Ursuline Pre-Novices, Holy Rosary Convent-Jeppu, Mangaluru.
