AOB Hosts Interfaith Gathering for Peace on St. Francis' Feast

Mumbai, October 1, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Bombay, through its Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue, and in collaboration with St. Andrew’s College is delighted to organise an interfaith gathering themed “Pilgrims of Hope – Religions Journeying for Peace”, to be held on October 4, 2025, coinciding with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This event draws inspiration from the historic encounter between St. Francis and Sultan Malek Al Kamil, a timeless example of interfaith dialogue that fosters mutual respect and understanding across religious divides.

In the spirit of the Late Pope Francis’ call for interreligious dialogue as a “providential sign of our times,” this gathering invites religious leaders and followers of all faiths, beliefs, and denominations to come together in the Jubilee Year of 2025 to share experiences and insights on building peace and harmony in today’s world. The event aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the importance of seeing each person as a precious human being loved by God, and fostering cooperation and solidarity for the betterment of all.

The gathering will feature creative expressions of peace-building efforts, including street plays, skits, songs, dances, videos, or PowerPoint presentations, showcasing initiatives that promote cooperation, solidarity, and harmony among diverse faith communities.

Event Details:

●      Date: October 4, 2025

●      Venue: St. Andrew’s College Auditorium, Bandra, Mumbai 50

●      Time: 5pm to 8 pm

●      Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope - Religions Journeying for Peace”

The Archdiocese of Bombay is honoured to host George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (Vatican) who is the chief guest and Oswald Cardinal Gracias as the guest of Honour.  The Archdiocese of Bombay, under the leadership of Archbishop John Rodrigues, strives to promote peace-building initiatives, as well as create an atmosphere for interreligious dialogue and harmony. This event will celebrate the many unique contributions to interfaith harmony, as we honour St. Francis’ legacy by walking together on the path of peace.

For more information please contact the Archdiocesan Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue at irdbom@gmail.com.

About the Archdiocese of BombayThe Archdiocese of Bombay is committed to fostering spiritual growth, social justice, and interfaith harmony. Through initiatives like this gathering, it seeks to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, reflecting the universal call to love and peace.

Fr. Nigel Barrett

Press office for the Archdiocese of Bombay

Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue

Let us journey together as “Pilgrims of Hope” to create a world of peace and solidarity.