As guest speaker, Fr. Michel spoke at a panel titled -'A Catholic priest among Muslims: What I have learned'.
Bekir Aksoy introduced the Golden Generation Retreat Center as part of a secular movement dedicated to the ideals of Islam.
Speaking about his myriad experiences in Indonesia and Turkiye, Fr. Michel emphasized his study of Islam, particularly the teachings of Said Nursi, a Kurdish scholar, and Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish thinker.
Fr. Michel noted the teachings of Nursi highlight the enemies of all religions- poverty, ignorance and disunity.
During his 6 month stay in Turkiye in 1989, he was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the local people and learned something about the religion of Islam -the practice of hospitality is an act of worship.
Fr. Thomas Michel, S.J. says, "Hospitality is an active worship. It is an active worship to God. You know we always read about the Middle East that hospitality is so important, well it is not by accident. It is part of their religion."
At the end of his speech Fr. Michel spoke of the importance of such gatherings.
"I think it really is important to have evenings like these where we really talk about the issues that can sometimes divide. But also how we can overcome those issues and find unity between Muslims and Christians. If we don't talk about these things, people remain with their prejudices and suspicions. The only way to unity is by talking them through and letting people know each other," reflected Fr. Michel.
Many students and scholars attended the event, including close friends of the guest speaker.
Fr. Thomas Roach, S.J., Rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community, Scranton, PA was delighted to be part of the event.
"You have to have dialogue- its profitable and good. To talk, to socialize to eat together and you start on a human level. I have heard Fr. Michel before, but I came back and I'm glad", stated Fr. Thomas Roach, S.J.
Sarah Dagher, student at the University Of Scranton agreed, "I think we need to come together today and be a community and share our thoughts and ideas with one another. We need to co-exist with different religions."
The night ended with a cornucopia of Turkish delicacies, as guests had a chance to banter with Fr. Michel.
Published on Ebru TV, 26 March 2012, Monday
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