Vatican official praises reconciliation efforts marking Hindu feast

Published: 2003-10-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholics would welcome efforts by Hindus to extend throughout society the spirit of reconciliation and renewal that marks the celebration of the Hindu Diwali feast, a Vatican official said. Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed his admiration for the Hindu practice of using the late-October festival as an occasion to heal even the smallest breaches within their families and communities. "Could not Catholics and Hindus extend these efforts to bring about wider reconciliation and a more lasting peace in our towns and villages and indeed throughout our countries and the world at large," he asked in an open letter to Hindus preparing to celebrate the "festival of lights." Diwali, which celebrates the victory of darkness over light, is accompanied by five days of celebration in most communities. In 2003, the festival begins Oct. 25.

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