On May 5, at the invitation of Imam Riyad Thabata of the Al Bayan Islamic Learning Center in Blackwood, Bishop Dennis Sullivan and a contingent of diocesan priests, joined with their brothers in the Muslim faith for prayer and the breaking of their daily fast for Ramadan, a meal called iftar.
The gathering prayed until 7:59 p.m., sundown, when finally the hosts were able to end their daily fast for the first time since 5:55 a.m. This is the final week of Ramadan, the month-long time period dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
In honor of his Catholic guests, Imam Thabata prayed from the Story of Maryam, the passage in the Quran dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Bishop Sullivan also offered prayer during the meal, noting that the assembled, though of different faiths, all pray to the same God and are therefore brothers. Bishop Sullivan also noted Pope Francis’ most recent urging, that Catholics reach out in friendship to people of all faiths, so that all may understand each other and work together to improve relations among the different religions.
After prayers, the assembled dined on Middle Eastern delicacies of lamb, chicken kabobs, rice, baba ganoush, vegetables and baklava.
Also invited to the meal was Bellmawr Mayor Chuck Sauter, Vicar General Father Robert Hughes, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Diocese Father Joseph Wallace, Saint Joachim pastor Father Piotr Szamocki, and Father Ken Hallahan.
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