Interreligious Dialogue
Prof. don MARIO MARITANO - 2017
Salesian Pontifical University
For his action in favour of Interreligious Dialogue and Peace, carried out in a particular way through his work as a lecturer at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), involving young people from various countries of the world. Full Professor of Patristics, from 2001 to 2008 he was Director of the Marian magazine 'Theotokos'; from 2003 to 2005 Director of the Institute of Dogmatics and from 2005 to 2011 Dean-Dean of the Faculty of Christian and Classical Literature at UPS.
He is a member of various associations, such as the Association Internationale des Etudes Patristiques, the Pontifical International Marian Academy, the Italian Interdisciplinary Mariological Association, the Italian Research Group on Origen and the Alexandrian Tradition, the Italian Association of Professors of Church History, the Opus Fundatum Latinitas. He edited the 6-volume edition of Introduction to the Church Fathers and the 9-volume edition of Origen's Readings of various Homilies of Origen, as well as other volumes. He has published numerous articles on historical and patristic topics, mainly concerning the Fathers of the first centuries (particularly Justin, Origen, Jerome, etc.). Finally, he has also edited several entries on the Church Fathers for various Dictionaries. This knowledge of the Church Fathers has enabled him to identify the commonalities between different religions and faiths, an essential basis for an interreligious dialogue based on knowledge and respect for the other.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 17 november 2017
THÍCH NHÃT HANH - 2014
Rinzai Buddist Monk - VIETNAM
A charismatic personality a world level, Master Thích Nhất Hạnh is a point of reference for interreligious dialogue. Through his way of life and acts, he teaches that spirituality exists beyond all religious beliefs, which translates into a deep commitment to peace and constructive dialogue between different faiths and religious beliefs in the Mediterranean and throughout the entire world.
“Society needs to become conscious and reawaken!
To discover and consolidate its cultural and spiritual roots.
To nurture a peaceful mind.
We are all interconnected; you and I are no different.
If I attack you, I am attacking myself…”
(Thích Nhất Hạnh)
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 january 2014
in memory of CARLO MARIA MARTINI - 2013
ITALY
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini was certainly a bright star of the highest calibre whose genius enlightened the Church and illuminated the furthest horizon to embrace all humanity. He was able to talk to people from outside the Catholic Church, regardless of their faiths (Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox, Islam or even agnostic or atheist). He was a father of the Church and an illuminated Guide revealing universal truths and leading an exemplary life.
He was not only an intelligent and learned scholar of biblical studies but also a passionate Evangelist who always steered clear of partisan interests, enlightening his fellow men with the warmth, love and truth that guided his choices.
In a society that is still lost in the wilderness of material desires, his testimony was that of beauty, openness and nobility of spirit. He lived and taught us how to live and interpret our daily lives so that the Mystery of Life could be revealed to us.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 04 january 2013
Sister MARIA PIA GIUDICI - 2012
ITALY
“For her commitment and dedication to peace and dialogue between different faiths and laypeople, and for welcoming people in a dignified, natural and loving manner in her quest for the true essence of things.
Her simplicity and spirituality help rediscover the way to people’s souls through the power of love for oneself and each other.
Her writings offer us guidance and spiritual reflection to overcome prejudice that suffocates love for God and his creatures, leading us back to the way of truth and light”.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 3 september 2012
Cardinal RENATO RAFFAELE MARTINO - 2011
President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
To his intense and concrete commitment undertaken in the prestigious engagements performed over forty years in the diplomatic career began in 1962 at the nunciatures of Nicaragua, the Philippines, Lebanon, Canada, Brazil and continued since 1980 by Archbishop as apostolic delegate in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos and Brunei and since 1986 as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN until October of 2002, the period of his appointment as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
For his incisive action undertaken in this last assignment in favor of peace in the world and in favor of inter-religious dialogue and the elimination of conflicts of inter-cultural matrix between peoples
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 23 september 2011
Imam FEISAL ABDUL RAUF - 2011
Imam, writer and activist - EGYPT-USA
For his action in favour of dialogue among religions, freedom of worship and human rights. He has devoted his life to the construction of solid relations with Protestant, Catholic and Jewish communities in the USA, holding the role of messenger between two worlds and struggling strenuously against any prejudice.
Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 20 may 2011
S.B. FOUAD TWAL - 2010
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem - JORDAN
The Patriarch Fouad Twal is an example of how to construct peace. His great humanity and modesty are pillars of a unanimously recognized action in favour of dialogue among cultures, civilizations and religions, which has made it possible to stem conflicts and tensions, giving back hope to young people, “producers” of our future. The mission and commitment of Patriarch Fouad Twal are a fundamental example for the peace process in the Middle East.
Awarding Ceremony
Rome, 13 october 2010