Vatican officials, local churches reach out to Muslims during Ramadan

Published: 2003-11-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican and local Catholic communities are using this year's Ramadan as a fertile time to plant seeds of peace and reconciliation with Muslim neighbors. For the approximately 1 billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan represents the holiest month of the year. The faithful fast from dawn to dusk every day and this form of penitence, together with prayer, offers Muslims one way of getting closer to God and strengthening bonds with family and community. This emphasis on community spirit makes Ramadan an auspicious time for Christians to foster Muslim friendships, Msgr. Felix Machado, undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, told Catholic News Service Nov. 10. "Interreligious dialogue is all about forming friendships and it's only as a friend that one's words can gain credibility and ensure that dialogue has a fruitful outcome," Msgr. Machado said.

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