Fr. Jobin Thomas and Brother Christopher Thomas Participate in CCCB Triennial "Forum on Dialogues"

From June 27-29, 2024, St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough, ON, resonated with vibrant discussions and heartfelt collaboration as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) hosted its Triennial Forum on Dialogues. This year’s gathering, themed “From Coast to Coast” (Psalm 72:8), aimed to forge a cohesive national ecumenical strategy amidst diverse perspectives and challenges.

The forum commenced with early arrivals on June 26, setting the stage for pre-Forum meetings that laid essential groundwork for the subsequent discussions. Throughout the event, attendees engaged in a robust schedule that included communal meals, enriching liturgical services, informative formation sessions, and opportunities for social interaction.

Participants, representing various facets of the Canadian Catholic landscape, delved into pivotal topics such as interchurch dialogues, ecumenical strategies tailored to local and national contexts, and the dynamics of interfaith relations. These sessions provided a platform for sharing insights, fostering understanding, and exploring collaborative initiatives to promote unity and peace within the broader community.

Brother Christopher Thomas and Fr. Jobin Thomas, representing the St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy, were among the representatives. Their active participation underscored the Eparchy’s commitment to meaningfully contributing to ecumenism and interfaith cooperation dialogue. On Friday evening, Lilyo (Compline) in the West Syriac Rite was conducted under the leadership of His Excellency Paul Antoine Nassif, the current Syriac Catholic Exarch of Canada, along with Fr. Jobin Thomas and Brother Christopher Thomas.

The forum culminated on June 29 with a poignant round table discussion, where attendees synthesized key learnings and charted a path forward for implementing the discussed strategies. The event concluded solemnly with a mass, uniting hearts and spirits in prayerful solidarity.

The CCCB Triennial Forum on Dialogues reaffirmed the Canadian Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenical dialogue and served as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and unity among believers. As participants return to their communities nationwide, they carry a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision for a more harmonious and inclusive society.