Bharananganam (Ker), August 12: Paying homage to India’s first woman Catholic Saint, Sister Alphonsa, President Pratibha Patil today said it was important to realise that the essential message of all religions was universal peace and brotherhood.
“Often, success is measured in terms of material gains and in this race for success, we forget human relationships.
We, sometimes forget, that in little things like loving smiles, friendly conversations, in words of encouragement, in sharing our joys and sorrows, there is meaning,” Patil said.
She was speaking on the occassion of the birth centenary celebrations of Saint Alphonsa here.
Patil is on a three-day tour of the state, where she will be inaugurating the 58th Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2010, at Alappuza on Saturday besides attending other functions.
“Today, a certain degree of selfishness has crept into our societies. Our visions have got limited.
–Agencies