SINGAPORE (UCAN) -- "It is not a good idea to invite a Christian to a barbeque party on Good Friday," a De La Salle brother told non-Catholic visitors to his school for an interreligious gathering.

Brother Michael Broughton, president of St. Joseph's Institution International, a Catholic international school, was discussing some Catholic beliefs and practices with about 40 Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Taoists.

They gathered on April 12 at his school with members of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore, a national forum. Singapore Archdiocese's Council for Inter-Religious and Ecumenical Dialogue (IRED) organized the program.

At a session held in the school's chapel, Brother Broughton used humor and cited practices of other religions to illustrate Catholic beliefs and practices for Holy Week and Easter. Holy Week includes Good Friday, commemorating Jesus' crucifixion, a traditional day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. Three days later comes Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection, March 23 this year.

In speaking about Jesus' resurrection, Brother Broughton mentioned the belief among Taoists that ghosts can eat food offered to them, though they do not consume the food physically. "Catholics do not have such a belief," he clarified, but he added that when Jesus rose from the dead, "he was not a ghost -- he could eat!"

According to Gospel accounts, Jesus spoke and ate with his disciples after rising from the dead. Taoists offer food to their ancestors so their spirits do not go hungry in the spirit world.

During the interreligious program Brother Michael and other Catholics explained the function of parts of the chapel such as the altar and tabernacle. The brother also translated Latin phrases inscribed on the altar and on the lectern, used for reading Bible passages during chapel services.

Participants who spoke with UCA News said they benefited from the visit.

Mohamad Saiful, 23, a Muslim member of Singapore Inter-Faith Youth, said the program enabled him to see similarities between Catholicism and Islam. "These two faiths have sacred Scriptures," he said. What caught his attention, he added, is "the use of Scriptures in Latin inside the chapel to convey messages such as love and charity, and to set the tone of the place."

Chua Poh Lin, one of 15 members of Singapore Buddhist Lodge who attended the gathering, "got more knowledge about the Catholic faith out of it." Chua admitted, "This is my first time at an interfaith event."

Venerable K. Gunaratana of Mahakaruna Buddhist Society was impressed with the warmth extended to all guests, whether they were Catholic or not. "We were welcomed like brothers and sisters from their faith," he remarked.

The monk continued: "What is most important is whether we are good disciples of each of our religions. I saw a cheerful relationship among the (Catholics). It was a spiritual relationship springing from the heart. This is more important than studying the doctrines of different religions, which we can do in our own homes."

Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, secretary general of Singapore Buddhist Federation, said the event helped him "to understand Catholics even better." He added his conviction that "understanding is more important than tolerance."

A reception followed the discussion and sharing.

According to Sister Maria Lau, IRED chairperson, the gathering was conducted in "a casual manner because the purpose of the event was fellowship and to share what Easter is about."

The Infant Jesus nun explained: "Representatives of other religions have invited Catholics on several occasions to share about their faiths, so the IRED conducted this session to build mutual understanding and mutual respect between people of different religions."

IRED was formed to promote, organize and coordinate all activities related to dialogue with other Christians and other religions, and to contribute toward forming Catholics to engage in interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.

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(Accompanying photos available at here)