TIME reporter on the Catholic Church, to lecture in Northeast India

Kolkata, 09 September 2012

Robert William Kaiser

Mr Robert William Kaiser, award winning TIME magazine reporter of the Vatican II is arriving in Kolkata on 13 September from Phoenix, Arizona, USA, on a three-week India tour. He will also visit Guwahati and Shillong, 19-21 Sept.

Kaiser kicks off his lecture tour in Kolkata meeting a group of “All Faith Forum” and FACES (Friends and Alumni/ae of Colleges, Educational institutions and Schools) members at the Academy of Fine Arts, 14th September (6.00pm).

“It is in deed symbolic and keeping with the Ecumenical Council’s invitation to be more ‘open to people of other faiths and religions,’ that Kaiser has his first meeting in India with an inter-religious group,” remarked Jesuit Fr Gaston Roberge professor at St Xavier’s College Kolkata.

“For me this talk by Kaiser is not a show, it is a religious event, not to project Catholic activity, but humanity,” added the Indian cinema theory guru.

Fifty years ago, the Catholic Church held meetings with over 2,000 bishops called ‘Council’ over a four year period to discuss the state of the church and the relationship of the Christians among themselves and with all people. The last one, the Second Vatican Council took place in1962-1965. The first Vatican Council took place in 1870.

On 15th September (6.00 pm) Kaiser will be felicitated at St Xavier’s College at 30, Mother Teresa Sarani, followed by a talk on his experiences and the human side of the Council. The talk is entitled: “Steps to a Church of the People, for the People.”

On 16th Sept. (5.30 pm) he will address Conference of Religious India (Calcutta chapter) at Loreto College, Kolkata.

On 17th Sept. he is scheduled to address students of Morning Star College Regional Seminary Barrackpore at 5.00 pm.

Kaiser goes to Guwahati (19 Sept.), Shillong (20 Sept 9 am & 4 pm), Pune (23 Sept), Mumbai (25 Sept), Krishnagar (30 Sept.) and New Delhi (1st Oct), before flying to London for speaking engagements, 4th October.

Author of 13 books, four of which are books on Church and burning issues, 82-year old Kaiser speaks with passion and heartfelt concern.

Kaiser’s first ever India visit marking the Year of the Faith (starting 11 October) is coordinated by Fr. Roberge, along with Signis India president (Catholic association for radio, television and cinema) Mr. Sunil Lucas. END

For interview opportunities with Kaiser while he is in Kolkata, please contact Fr Gaston Roberge, SJ. email: gaston(dot)roberge(at)gmail(dot)com