The 7th edition of the “Victor Courtois Memorial Lecture”, organized by the Islamic Studies Association (ISA), Vidyajyoti College of Theology, was held in Delhi, at the Millennium Hall of St. Xavier’s School, on 23 February 2024. The lecture, titled “From Morocco to the Mughal Empire: Franciscan Encounters with Muslims and their Significance for Interreligious Dialogue Today”, was delivered by Prof. Fr. Michael Calabria OFM.
In his presentation, Prof. Calabria highlighted St. Francis of Assisi’s beautiful model of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. During the 5th Crusade, St. Francis chose a different path and reached out to the Sultan in Egypt. To his surprise, the Sultan received him with open arms and showed him great hospitality. This encounter had a profound impact on St. Francis’s theological vision for his Friars’ ministry among Muslims, which emphasizes the importance of humility and sharing.
This approach reminds us of St. John Paul II’s words spoken during the gathering to pray for peace in Assisi. He described the “permanent lesson of Assisi” as St. Francis’s meekness, deep sense of God, and commitment to serve all. The teachings of Vatican Council II also encourage Christians and Muslims to work together to promote social justice, moral welfare, peace, and freedom for the benefit of all.
Prof. Calabria highlighted the importance of adhering to the vision of St. Francis today, emphasizing the need for Christians and Muslims to open up to dialogue and cooperation.
