By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted March 12, 2024

Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims, began Sunday, March 10 and ends with the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Muslims fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate. The month is one of heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Quran and praying special prayers.

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Dear Friends of the Muslim Faith Tradition,

Together with the people of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, I send peaceful greetings as you observe Ramadan.

As the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue expressed, “We, Christians and Muslims, are called to be bearers of hope, for the present life and for the life to come, and to be witnesses, restorers and builders of this hope, especially for those experiencing difficulties and despair.”

I echo their sentiments with deep respect and friendship especially during this time of war, devastation, and suffering in so many places around the world.

May your month-long vigil of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy bring you closer to the Almighty so that you can share His divine love with all those you encounter!

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia