Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Dialogue between religions, in order to allow a greater reciprocal understanding, serves to overcome prejudices and misunderstandings and as a result build societies where people can live in peace and harmony.  To this ends the role played by education and social communications media in youth formation is of particular. This is the central theme in the message issued by the Pontifical Council for Inter Religious dialogue to mark the feast Vesakh, the most important feast for followers of Buddha, in which they commemorate the principal events of his life.  The feast is celebrated April 8th in Japan and Taiwan.  Followers  in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Korea, Cambodia, Laos  etc. from May 2 to 31st.

Entitled “Christians and Buddhists: educating communities to live in harmony and peace”  it begins with an affirmation of the good relations between Catholics and Buddhists.  “Yet, - it continues - there are people today who still need to learn about others and other people's beliefs in order to overcome prejudices and misunderstandings. This sad reality, if it is to be overcome, demands much effort on the part of both civic and religious leaders. Even in places where people experience daily the ravages of war, fuelled by sentiments of hatred and vengeance, trust can be restored. Together we can help to create the space and the opportunities for people to talk, listen, share regrets and offer forgiveness for each other’s past mistakes”.

“Education for peace  - continues the message - is a responsibility which must be borne by all sectors of society. Of course, this starts in ordinary homes where the family, the fundamental pillar of society, strives to transmit traditional and sound values to children by a deliberate effort to inform their consciences. It is important therefore that schools, both government and faith-based, do all possible to support parents in the delicate but satisfying task of raising children to appreciate all that is good and true”.

The power of mass communication must also be taken into account regarding youth formation. “The media’s power to shape minds, especially of the young, cannot be underestimated. While the irresponsible elements within it are increasingly being recognized for what they are, it is also the case that much good can be effected through quality productions and educational programmes.  When people working within the media exercise their moral conscience, it is possible to dispel ignorance and impart knowledge, preserve social values, and portray the transcendental dimension of life which arises from the spiritual nature of all people. Religious believers serve society admirably by collaborating in such projects for the common good. Ultimately, the aim of true education is to bring the individual to encounter the ultimate purpose of life. This motivates the person to serve broken humanity. Together may we continue to contribute towards peace and harmony in our society and the world.”.