Unity in diversity this Ramadan

If there is something that could truly project peace and unity in diversity today, it is the respect paid by the Christian Community as they enjoin their Muslim brothers and sisters in the celebration of Ramadan.

Groups composed of parish leaders from different parishes in the city gathered yesterday at the Grand Mosque in Brgy. 23-C, Mini Forest here, for the event dubbed as Duyog Ramadan.

“In this season, our Muslim brothers and sisters will fast. This is equivalent to the Lent season of us Christians,” Rev. Fr . Pedro “Pet” Lamata, DCD, head of the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical Dialogue said.

The initiative of joining the Muslim community in their days of fasting is anchored on the unity brought by the Muslim-Christian dialogue in the city.

“Among our activities is this Duyog Ramadan which implies that we are with them in the period of fasting,” Lamata said.

At exactly 6 p.m., at the sundown which signifies the break of the fasting, Lamata and the group from the Catholic community witnessed the supper of their Muslim Brothers.

This includes parishioners from Our Lady of Fatima which the aforementioned Barangay belongs. Their parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ben Capulong was also present.

Other leaders are from the St. John the Baptist Parish in Lasang, San Miguel Parish in Km-12 Sasa, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tibungco, and the St. Francis of Assisi in Laverna.

Alim Mahmod Mala Adilao, Regional Chairman of the Ulama League of the Philippines, explained the joy that fasting brings to them Muslims.

“According to Prophet Muhammad, there are two joys that fasting brings. One is the joy brought by being able to partake food and water at the end of the whole day of fasting,” he said.

“Another, is when a Muslim faces the judgement of the Creator on the day that is set,” he added.

Adilao also affirmed the unity of Muslims and Christians in their community in Brgy. 23-C.

“Here in our barangay, we are united with our Christian brothers especially through the Imam-Priest-Pastor Purok where we do activities that unites leaders from the Muslim and Christian community,” Adilao said.

“Muslim and Christians are like real brothers here,” he said.

Lamata also said catechists and Muslim teachers also have activities including a seminar series where Muslim and Christian youth alike would participate.

Other than that, the peace among Muslims and Christians in the community was also validated during feast days.

“During fiestas here in the Our Lady of Fatima, our Muslim brothers and sisters are invited. Likewise, when there are also festivities in the Muslim communities, they also would invite the Christians,” he said.