Whispers of Love: An Invitation to Dialogue in Silence

15 November 2025 | Church of San Giacomo alla Lungara, Rome

On 15 November 2025, an international interfaith gathering titled “Whispers of Love: An Invitation to Dialogue in Silence” was held at the historic Church of San Giacomo alla Lungara in Rome. The event was jointly organized by the Centro di Formazione alla Meditazione Cristiana (CFMC), Rome, the Intercultural School of Silence (ISS), Rome, the Chavara Institute of Indian and Interreligious Studies (CIIIS), Rome, and the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, India.

The gathering brought together eminent dignitaries, scholars, and representatives of diverse religious traditions to reflect on the transformative power of silence as a pathway to peace, communion, and interreligious understanding. The event was graced by His Eminence George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City, who emphasized silence as a sacred space where authentic dialogue and reconciliation can flourish.

Among the distinguished speakers were Rev. Msgr. Juan Pablo C. Hernández, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature, India, who reflected on silence as a profound spiritual language that transcends words; Dr. Fr. Shaji Kochuthara CMI, Director of CIIIS, Rome, who highlighted silence as an essential dimension of contemplative and interreligious engagement; and Prof. Yvonne Dohna Schlobitten, Vice-President of CFMC, who welcomed participants and underlined the importance of contemplative practices in building bridges across cultures.

Dr. Fr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, New Delhi, presented the Christian understanding of silence as rooted in prayer, interior listening, and communion with the Divine, drawing from the contemplative tradition of the Church. Religious representatives from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Bahá’í, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, and Zoroastrian traditions shared insights from their respective faiths, demonstrating how silence serves as a universal spiritual discipline that nurtures inner peace and mutual respect.

The programme also included moments of guided meditation and contemplative music, creating

a shared experience of stillness among participants. The atmosphere of prayerful reflection fostered a sense of unity beyond doctrinal differences, affirming the conviction that silence can become a powerful bridge for dialogue and global harmony.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude by Paola Battaglia, President of CFMC, who thanked all dignitaries, organizers, and participants for contributing to a meaningful encounter. Whispers of Love stood as a profound testament to the belief that in silence, hearts meet, divisions soften, and dialogue becomes deeply transformative.