Carolian Theological Forum (CTF) organized an extension lecture for all the students of St. Charles on March 11, 2023. The resource person of the day was Fr. Fabio Baggio, the undersecretary of the migrant and refugee section of the dicastery, for promoting integral human development. Bro. Roy Tomy, H.G.N., was the MC of the day. The lecture began with a prayer service conducted by first-year theology brothers. Dn. Sanjeet Kullu welcomed the gathering, and Bro. Abin Thomas, H.G.N., introduced the resource person.
The lecture was divided into two sections. In the first section, Fr. Fabio enlightened us with the topics: “Phenomenon of Migration; Its History; Survey Data Related to Migrants and Refugees; Concern of Pope Francis, Especially on Migrants Responsibility to the Local Churches.”
In the second section, he exclusively dealt with the main challenges concerning pastoral, ecclesial, and missionary levels that we must face when we work for migrants, refugees, and internally displaced people. He also discussed with us the church’s response to the issues related to immigrants and refugees. In his lecture, he emphasized the words of Pope Francis: “Migrants are not a danger; they are in danger.” He also quoted the words of the Pope: “All men and women of goodwill should commit themselves to the pursuit of universal fraternity because we are all in the same boat.” He concluded his lecture with the prayer of Pope Francis to stretch out our hands to the people who are in need. After his section, the brothers clarified their doubts regarding migration problems and the responsibility of today’s church. After the sections, Fr. Aquin Noronha, O.P., the Rector of St. Charles Seminary, along with Fr. Charles Savarimuthu, O.P., Director of CTF, felicitated Rev. Fr. Fabio Baggio with a shawl and memento. Finally, Bro. Basant Minj proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the CTF committee. The lecture was concluded with the prayer “Angelus.”
