Madurai Archbishop Urges Communities to Uphold Religious Harmony in Deepavali Message

Madurai, November 8, 2026: Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai has called on people across Tamil Nadu to strengthen communal harmony, mutual respect and fraternity, urging communities to resist divisive forces that threaten social unity.

Extending Deepavali greetings, particularly to Hindu brothers and sisters, the Archbishop said the festival of lights symbolises the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and love over hatred.

In a message issued from the Archbishop’s House in K. Pudur, he urged people to use the occasion to overcome hatred, discrimination and hostility while promoting love, peace, justice, equality and fraternity.

Emphasising India's religious and cultural diversity, Archbishop Savarimuthu called for respect for different faiths and traditions of worship. He described interfaith dialogue as a means of building bridges of mutual trust, friendship and understanding among communities.

He also warned against communalism, violence and divisive forces that undermine relationships among people. Religious leaders, social activists and citizens, he said, must work together to ensure that faith becomes a force for unity and human solidarity rather than division.

The Archbishop stressed the shared responsibility of preserving Tamil Nadu's longstanding tradition of religious harmony and social cohesion for future generations.

Concluding his message, he prayed for joy and peace in every household, stronger family relationships and renewed hope for the poor and marginalised. He expressed hope that Deepavali would inspire greater love among individuals, harmony among communities and unity across the nation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter