Heads of various religions in Bengaluru have commemorated the 800th anniversary of an encounter between Saint Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al-Kâmil of Egypt.

Although all religions aim at the same holy and spiritual aspects to lead a good life, unfortunately people do not follow even 10 percent of their tenets and teachings,” regretted Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore at the interreligious meet held on July 27 St Joseph’s Boys’ High School Auditorium, Bengaluru.

The archbishop joined Franciscans, the followers of Saint Francis of Assisi who work in the archdiocese to observe the anniversary.

Saint Francis was one of the greatest champions and advocates of harmony and it took tremendous courage for him to go to the sultan in the days of crusade. Sultan al-Kamil was also a good man. Francis’ resemblance of the poor and his approach towards all creatures attracted “the Sultan,” the archbishop said in his presidential address.

Representatives of other religions were Swami TattwarupanandaAdhyaksha of Ramakrishna Order, Mahamunivandaru Sritha Mahagatha, Giani Kewal Singh, M T Matheen, Shreya Vakil and J Bhavani.

Archbishop Machado spoke on Islam to highlight the relation Francis had with the sultan. The prelate said he likes the five pillars of Islam –Faith (Shahadah), Prayer–five times each day (Salat), Charity or alms-giving (Zakat); Fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm) and Pilgri-mage to Mecca (Hajj).

Archbishop encouraged all to visit pilgrim centers to increase one’s faith in God. He urged those present to become ambassadors of peace and harmony. “Ultimately, whatever be one’s religion, we all believe in one God,” he said and added, “Let make in India be translated into take from India – Peace and Harmony.”