Dr Harshad N Sanghrajka was appointed by the Directors of Institute of Jainology to represent the JAIN community world-wide at this ceremony. It is the long standing relationship of the Institute with The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue [PCID} at The Holy See, Vatican, which is the reason we are invited at all their international events and we have always respond positively.
Harshad travelled to Rome on Sunday, 17th March and went to the PCID Office on 18th to meet with Rev. Father Santiago and discuss the arrangements. Harshad was also introduced to Rev. Father Miguel Ayuso who is the Secretary at PCID.
Here is the report by Dr Harshad Sanghrajka on his visit to the Vatican
All representatives of faiths met at Via della Traspontiana 18: Domus Romana Sacerdotalis early in the morning of Tuesday, 19th March. Rev. Father Santiago and Rev. Father Miguel Ayuso led the group through all the security barriers to Saint Peter’s Square where a crowd of over 150,000 had already gathered. The group was taken to the first row of chairs facing the Basilica. The Holy Father traversed the Square in his special vehicle, blessing the crowds, before taking his place on the special dais created for the ceremony.
A special booklet had been prepared for the ceremony which included hymns, reciting of vows, and homily by the Holy Father. Before the ceremony began, the Papal Pallium [a woollen collar] was bestowed on the Holy Father by Cardinal Tauran and the ‘Fisherman’s Ring’ was put on his finger as another ecclesiastical object. After the Holy Mass, the Holy Father waved to the waiting crowds.
The Square was well organised with large screens in various places showing the live ceremony. After the ceremony was over, the crowds were guided out of the square in a very orderly manner.
The faith representatives were required to be present at the offices of PCID on Wednesday, 20th March for an audience with the Holy Father. We were driven by special buses to the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope and waited in one of the Chapels for his arrival. Since there was a delay, we were taken to the Sistine Chapel, next door, to see the marvellous paintings created by the Renaissance artists, including the most popular Michelangelo.
We were seated in the Clementine Hall for the arrival of the Holy Father. He addressed the gathering before we were invited to meet him individually in turn. Harshad delivered his message: “.” Official photographers were clicking away each representative and I expect to receive a complimentary copy, just as I had with Pope John Paul II.
Dr Sanghrajka after greeting the Holy Father delivered the message from the Jain Community ” I bring you greetings from the Jain
community world-wide, we congratulate you and we wish you all the best.”
Rev. Father Santiago took very good care of me and we had discussions regarding his visit with Cardinal Tauran to London and the Jain temple in Potters Bar. I also had good opportunity whilst waiting in the congregation, to discuss theosophy with Bhai Saheb Bhai Mohinder Singh ji, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Birmingham. Mr Sandeep Virdee, Artistic Director of Darbar Arts Cultural Heritage Trust, Leicester, who accompanied Bhai Sahib has taken many photographs and will forward some to us for use on our website.
It was an exhilarating experience not to be forgotten for life.