WYD08 Day 4 photo highlights II (July 18,2008) - Ecumenical meeting with the Pope
By bluepanjeet on Jul 19, 2008 in World Youth Day
Leaders of non-Christian faiths have met with Pope Benedict XVI, who hailed the shared moral values of the world’s major religions. About 20 religious leaders from the Jewish, Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist communities gathered to meet the Pope and the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, in the Chapter Hall at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday morning. Dr Pell told those gathered the tolerant religious relations that existed among multi-faith Australians were a testament to the power of religion to unite communities, rather than divide them. “Together, as fellow believers, we must demonstrate that true faith in God is a cause for unity and comity, not division and hatred. “Our meeting here today is surely a significant sign in that regard,” he said.
Pope Benedict XVI then spoke, calling for an increased focus on religion in schools. Praising the moral values shared by many of the world’s religions, he stressed the positive impact they have on young people. “Religions have a special role in this regard, for they teach people that authentic service requires sacrifice and self-discipline, which in turn must be cultivated through self-denial, temperance and a moderate use of the world’s goods,” the pontiff said. “Friends, these values, I am sure you will agree, are particularly important to the adequate formation of young people, who are so often tempted to view life as a commodity.”
Pope Benedict said the world’s young people were attracted to living virtuously and the education system could do more to nurture this desire. “Is it not true that when presented with high ideals, many young people are attracted to asceticism and the practice of moral virtue through self-respect and a concern for others? “They delight in contemplating the gift of creation and are intrigued by the mystery of the transcendent. “In this regard, both faith schools and state schools could do even more to nurture the spiritual dimension of every young person.” The pontiff was also addressed by the Chief Minister of Sydney’s Great Synagogue, Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, who celebrated the contribution Catholicism has made to society at large, and the Jewish faith in particular.
“Here we are in what is … a better world. It is a world which has become enriched and improved to a great part through the endeavours and enterprises of you and your worthy predecessors at the Vatican,” Rabbi Lawrence said. “We recall, too, the significant acknowledgment by your predecessor, that anti-Semitism is a sin, with no place in Catholicism, no place in civilisation.” Representing Muslims, Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem of western Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque and the National Council of Imams said the “whole of humanity will rejoice forever” if people of varying faiths work together. “Christian and Muslims, in particular the youth, are working together … for justice and peace in many parts of the world,” he said. “Forging ties with people of other faiths … is very much in line with Islamic teachings and the spirit of Islamic civilisation.
“The Muslim community in Australia is very grateful for this opportunity to welcome your respectful eminence.” The Pope also called on Christian leaders to work together to continue to promote their shared values. He addressed about 50 Australian leaders of the Anglican, Uniting, Catholic, Lutheran, Maronite and Melkite and Assemblies of God churches, as well as representatives of Christian churches in Syria and India, among others. In the crypt of Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral, the pontiff said every element of the church’s structure was important but all of them would “falter and crumble” without the cornerstone, Jesus Christ. “As fellow citizens of the household of God, Christians must work together to ensure that the edifice stands strong so that others will be attracted to enter and discover the abundant treasures of grace,” Pope Benedict said.
“As we promote Christian values, we must not neglect to proclaim their source by giving a common witness to Jesus Christ, the Lord.” The Pope drew attention to the religious freedoms enjoyed in Australia, saying the country was marked by much ethnic and religious diversity. “Yours too is a nation which recognises the importance of religious freedom,” he said. “This is a fundamental right which, when respected, allows citizens to act upon values which are rooted in their deepest beliefs, contributing thus to the wellbeing of society. “In this way, Christians cooperate, together with members of other religions, for the promotion of human dignity and for fellowship among all nations.”
The commemorative medal given to the delegates of the ecumenical meeting
BluePanjeet Interactives 2007
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
Good read! Salamat Bluep kasi you came to me and geli’s rescue right away, your tips are...
A mischievous and playful colossus, bluepanjeet hold a certain conviction in life, that “sometimes” there are no space for absolutes like yes or no, naughty or nice and black or white. 
INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent (or less than two percent) of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types. 
This blog revolves around the psychological phenomenon of every human psyche and the spiritual enlightenment that comes with it. Every human experience is at the depths of the individual’s inner self and somehow it has something to do with the spirit. 
"On The Wings Of My Dream" Official emblem/logo represents the ideals and convictions that the blog stands for. From color, shapes, positions and forms comes the meaning of everything the author adheres to. 
Recognitions, no matter how insignificat and petty to others will always be important and precious to the beneficiary. Here lies in the OTWOMD cyber-shelf the various recognitions from other bloggers. petty and small. but big in the eyes of the giver and the receiver. 
"What an excellent work of art! Taking a good look and ample lots of time reading, i will say you are brilliant . it reaches the people through modern tech in a modern way and what you have done is one way of educating people who spend most of their time in front of there pc." 
LOOKING FOR GOD IN HARRY POTTER Using his knowledge of classic literature, pilosophy, and Christian tradition, John Granger, a devout Catholic, has decoded what he believes is the secret message of the Potter novels --a powerful message that could explain why the books have captivated the imagination of an entire generation. 
Capuchins are brothers, they live in fraternity, pray as individuals and in community, share meals and time together, helping each other to grow, just like in a family. their communities, called friaries, are joyful and hospitable places.
Children are synonymous to trompilyo, trompo and pilyo. They make us laugh, do crazy things, generates problems, tosses everything, knock every fragile figurines and vases from their paths and twirls and spins as if they never run out of energy. 
Francis was walking with a friend in a dark alley coming from a party, until two motorcyle ridden men with bonnets showed up. they were asking for their money and cellphones, in short, they were being hold-upped. But Francis fought back. 
This is a repository of all things Nursing. From the course, the education up to the application to various exams. This section will also post some of the year's current and past Board Exam results.
From the smallest stone to the most absurd of all items, may it be cheap or expensive, this section tries to illustrate the importance of memories which this items brought to the life of the Author. they serve not only as memories but also as inspirations in his journey. 
Brother Sun, Sister Moon is a famous phrase coined by St. Francis of Assisi. In this section, this blog will feature amazing animals that are always taken for granted by us humans. All of God's creations are our brothers and sisters under God's almighty Fatherhood. 
Hues is the photo gallery section of OTWOMD. It features some of the author's amateur photos taken on various year and occasions. Hues will also post from time to time, significant photos from various photographers and sources. 
Aside from featuring OTWOMD reader-fans of their alleged fondness to this blog, this section will also feature their own blog (if any) and their dreams. Bloggers are not just overnight journalists and writers, they are also DREAMERS in their own right. 
Testdrive is a repository of the Author's amateur music videos wherein he squeezes his creative juices to create his own work of broadcast media in his private and idle time. 
This a special service that features rare, classic movies and specials uploaded from various video hosting sites which offer viewers a one-time chance to watch a rarely broad casted film and documentaries. 
Himig Noypi showcases music videos from the hottest bands and artists of the Philippines. Catered for the Pinoys abroad, viewers would definitely enjoy watching the music videos done by the finest MV directors of the country. From here you will see and hear the diversity and artistry of the Filipino Music Industry 
Comedy Zone exhibits the regular updates of funny video finds from movies, TV shows, sports, news makers, interesting commercials, to classic tv series from the 80’s. 
CoCoJam features the MP3 files of the author from his original collection of albums. from Pinoy Rock of OPM to the most uplifting chorus of religious songs, bluepanjeet uploads this song to promote the awareness of this existent albums and their respective artists. 
This is a satellite category where the author’s personal preferences are showcased. Watch and witness the tip of the author’s iceberg from the different videos he marked as his personal favorites. 
Bluepanjeet Presents showcases original video episodes from different channels from YouTube which he often watch and is subscribed to. From Catholic shows, to behind the scenes of Rock bands, to the most ostentatious of comedy clips and sketches of Youtubers. 
Did you like most of the contents of "On The Wings Of My Dream? Make your presence felt by expressing everything that you heard, saw, felt and touched you on the various features of this blog. 
Do you have any questions, suggestion, inquiries, important matters to discuss, prayer request or just want to disturb the peace of the Author? Contact bluepanjeet anytime and he will gladly reply to your correspondence, as fast as the eagle flies. 
