In a first for Brooklyn Diocese, bishop attends Ramadan dinner

Published: 2003-11-12

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) -- Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio made history Nov. 6 by attending a Muslim celebration of Ramadan, Islam's month of fasting. It was the first time a bishop of Brooklyn had attended such an event. Bishop DiMarzio said he was grateful for the invitation and explained that Pope John Paul II "calls on all people to search for 'the spiritual bonds which unite us.' Tonight is a wonderful example of this." He said, "I come to be with you tonight as the spiritual leader of 1.8 million Catholic Christians who live in Brooklyn and Queens. I come fully conscious of the example I am setting for them and, at the same time, for all people of good will." He added that he hoped the dinner would be "the beginning of many more opportunities to be together, and to work together in the name of God for peace and respect for each other, and for serious efforts to preserve the rights and dignity of every human person."

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