Indian bishop urges peace, prayers for Syria, during Ramadan

12 July, 2013 - An Indian Catholic Church official has released a message for Indian Muslims on the occasion of Islam’s fasting month of Ramadan, inviting all to work for peace and pray especially for Syrians. “May God hear and listen to the supplication of us all, who suffer especially our brothers and sisters - both Christians and Muslims in Syria,” said Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai Diocese, who heads the Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). During Ramadan, that began on July 10, the archbishop who also heads the same office at the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), will take part in some iftar (evening meal at the end of the daily fast) organized by the Muslim community in his diocese. “Peace for All is the will of God, and these holy days of fasting and prayers, should strengthen our resolve to work for peace and be actively motivated to achieve peace,” he wrote in a message. “This holy month should be a time to make peace and take initiatives towards peace,” he said urging prayers for Syria. (Source: AsiaNews)