Interfaith Dialogue Conference at Maguzzano Abbey Focuses on Religious Understanding
“Knowing the Other…” is the theme of the 1st “Interreligious Dialogue Training Conference”, organized by the same Ecumenical Center, which will take place on Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th at the Maguzzano Abbey, in collaboration with the Monastic Community of Bose.
Many speakers will participate over the two days, representing their respective religious faiths. “The conference – explain the organizers – aims to be the first step on a path to understanding other Religious Traditions”.
From understanding arises encounter and dialogue with the religious consciousness of contemporary man. The goal is also to create spaces where people can draw closer to each other, get to know one another, and promote the genuine brotherhood that unites them.
Program of activities and interventions
The proceedings will open, on Saturday morning, with a speech by Prof. Roberto Mancini from the University of Macerata, on the theme “Philosophical and anthropological aspects of human dialogue”.
Followed by Fr. Aldo Natale Terrin from the Santa Giustina Institute of Padua, with the theme “Interreligious dialogue: an opportunity for human conscience”.
In the afternoon, it will be the turn of Dr. Giampiero Sônô from the Buddhist Maitreya Center of Rome with “Historical-biographical profile of the Buddha”.
Next, Prof. Alessandro Rigopoulos from the University of Venice will speak on “Hindu spirituality: essential aspects”.
Sunday activities and conclusions
On Sunday morning, the work continues with a speech by Prof. Ida Zigluioli-Grandi from the University of Venice on “Fundamental elements of Islamic religion”.
Then, before the closing of the sessions coordinated by Fr. Riccardo Larini of the Monastic Community of Bose, Prof. Amos Luzzatto, president of the Jewish Communities in Italy, will present his paper on “Main aspects of the Jewish religion”.
It is worth emphasizing that the Ecumenical Center has been present and active at the Maguzzano Abbey for many years.
This was explicitly a desire of San Giovanni Calabria, founder of the Religious Congregation of the Poveri Servi della Divina Provvidenza.
Historians recall that, in 1945, seven years after the Abbey was purchased by Don Calabria, the Metropolitan of Romania (equivalent to a Bishop), Vissarion Puiu, was hosted there.
With him, Don Calabria discussed on several occasions the issues related to Christian unity. A desire that was set aside for several years, revived about a decade ago with great fervor and dynamism, and is now coordinated by Brother Francesco Guidorizzi.
