Religious mark Assisi praying for peace and reconciliation
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - A prayer meeting brought together representatives of Thailand's main religious groups to honour the 25th anniversary of the Prayer for World Peace in Assisi. Initially scheduled for 27 October, the anniversary of the first prayer meeting in the Italian town of Assisi, the initiative organised by the Catholic Commission for Inter-religious and Cultural Dialogue (CCICD) had to be postponed because of last fall's floods in the capital and across the country. The event was held at Assumption Suksa School Hall, not far from Bangkok's Catholic Assumption Cathedral.
Some 300 people came together to discuss the topic of 'Religion: Seeking Truth for Peace' and share a common prayer celebrated by the leaders of the five main religions present in Thailand.
In many of the speeches, spiritual leaders and heads of congregations focused on the central importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and searching for the truth as the way to achieve peace in a country still politically divided between red- and yellow-shirted camps as well as affected by interreligious conflicts, especially between Buddhists and Muslims.
The day of prayer began with a video of the 2011 Assisi prayer, which was followed by the remarks of various religious leaders.
Buddhist representative Phra Mahahansa Dhamahaso urged believers to "understand the message of love present in each religion." In his view, "we are not made to be alone"; rather, mutual love "makes us more human".
Another Buddhist delegate, Wisarut Laowithee, agrees. For him, we must "study the deeper meaning of the teachings of our religion," which is the only way "to build peace in society."
Kumara Maetakhun, a Hindu, said he placed his trust in the daily application "of religion's teachings" because they are a model of life.
For Manit Sajjamitre, from the Sikh community, "mutual understanding and forgiveness" are necessary.
Fr Sanit Sadhawerawong, vicar general for Bangkok, was one of the Catholic leaders who spoke at the event. He said that "peace is the fruit of the process of purification" and Christ's cross is the "means" to reach this goal.
Mgr Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, archbishop of Bangkok, led the prayer meeting in front of the Cathedral of the Assumption.
In his address, he cited Jesus who said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.' Equally, "you must love your neighbour as yourself," the prelate added because "there are no commandments greater than these."
Lastly, the "local Church in Thailand firmly believes that the faithful of every religion play an essential role in building peace. We, religious leaders, have faith in spiritual dimension more than being attached to material of the world."
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