Jai Jinendra and Pranam,
It has been a year of making positive strides and building strong relations with the wider Jain community and external institutions. This week, Oshwal Association of the UK (OAUK) was honoured and privileged to be represented by our President Rumit Shah, Shandip Shah (OAUK Trustee) and Rajvee Punatar (Institute of Jainology (IOJ) – Jain Health and also OAUK Trustee) as part of an international Jain delegation organised by the IOJ to the Vatican from 24th to 26th November 2024.
The theme of the visit was ‘Christians and Jains to build a better future’. A very timely discussion with all that is going on in the world today.
The trip commenced with an introductory meeting of all the delegates on the evening of Sunday 24th November 2024. This was followed on Monday 25th November with a private audience for the international Jain delegation with His Holiness Pope Francis. His Holiness gave a short speech on the importance of this gathering and the dialogue between the two faiths, to make the world a better place for all mankind and nature. He then took time to meet each delegate individually. A moment each of the delegates will cherish for life. This was a truly uplifting, humbling and touching experience which is normally accorded to heads of state and eminent world leaders. It very much highlighted his high respect for the Jain faith.
The following day was a conference between the two faiths. Four highly qualified representatives (two from each side) presented papers on ‘inclusivity and diversity’ and ‘caring for the earth, the poor and the most vulnerable’. The Jain and Christian perspectives were delivered in detail followed by very fruitful, meaningful and insightful discussions around these topics. It transpired that there are so many commonalities between the two faiths.
The conference was marked with sadness with the news of Cardinal Ayuso, the Prefect (head) of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue passing away on Monday 25 November 2024. The Dicastery was responsible for organising our trip. We pray that his soul rests in eternal peace.
The careful and detailed planning meant we received incredible hospitality which included accommodation, meals and a special tour of the Vatican which included the magnificent Sistine Chapel (with the works of Michealangelo and Raphael), the crypt which houses the tombs of Popes, church leaders, and other important figures from Rome’s history and the stunning St Peter’s Basilica.
The trip also enabled the building of relationships with the leaders of the other Jain organisations. All of this would not have been possible without sheer hard work and dedication of the whole IOJ team.
Proud to be a Jain.
Jai Mahavir
Rumit Devchand Shah
OAUK Hon. President
Email: president@oshwal.org
