Archbishop Valles visits Muslims in Mini Forest

Expressing his solidarity with the Muslims all over the world, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, visited the Maranaos in Mini Forest in Davao City as they prayed to celebrate their religious feast, the Eid’l Fitr.

Aleem Mahmod Mala Adilao, regional chairman of the Ulama League of the Philippines, welcomed the Archbishop together with his two priests Fr. Pedro P. Lamata and Fr. Henry Campeon, the parish priest of Fatima Parish where Mini Forest belongs. Adilao introduced Archbishop Valles to the congregation.

In his short message, Archbishop Valles called for unity as he expressed his solidarity with all Muslims all over the world in their celebration of Eid’l Fitr. “I came to pray with you for unity and peace,” Archbishop Valles told the congregation of Muslims gathered for a prayer in Mini Forest in Davao City to celebrate their feast – the Eid’l Fitr.

Adilao, president of the Regional Leaders’ Confederation of the Maranaos here expressed his gratitude for the visit of the Bishop of the Catholic Church in Davao. He also thanked Fr. Lamata and Fr. Campeon for their presence.

Fr. Lamata, parish priest of St. Jude Parish and Director of the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical and Inter-Relgious Dialogue (ACEID) of the Archdiocese of Davao said it is a humbling and joyful experience to be one with our brothers and sisters Muslims in Davao as they celebrate Eid’l Fitr.

In his message, Fr. Lamata asked everyone to continue to pray for one another and work for genuine and sustaining peace in Mindanao and the whole country.

Archbishop Valles thanked the Muslim congregation gathered for a prayer in Mini Forest for welcoming them as they celebrate Eid’l Fitr. (Ed Fernandez)