The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan conveys well wishes to the extended Jordanian family marking the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, hoping that the holy month would provide a distinguished time to draw people closer to God by fasting and prayers, by performing good deeds and charity work, as well as by having the Christians and Muslims further cement brotherly and constructive relations.
On this occasion, the CCSM presents the message issued by the Holy See on Friday, May 10, addressing the Muslim brethren on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan which, as is the case every year, conveys sincere well wishes to all Muslims in various parts of the world and tackles common issues among the followers of the two religions.
A statement issued on Friday, May 10, by CCSM Director Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, states that the Vatican’s message this year is titled, “Promoting Universal Fraternity”. It stresses that Christian and Islamic religions call for adherence to the values of peace as well as to upholding the values of brotherhood, common living, justice and charity. Therefore, the Muslims and Christians are called to open themselves to others, knowing and recognizing them as brothers and sisters. In this way, we can tear down walls raised out of fear and ignorance and seek together to build bridges of friendship that are fundamental for the good of all humanity.
Fr. Bader added that this year’s message coincides with the 10th anniversary of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Holy Land, where he visited King Hussein Ben Talal Mosque and delivered a historic speech–in the presence of His Highness Prince Ghazi Ben Mohammad senior Muslim scholars, and patriarchs of the East–which contributed to the values shared by Muslims and Christians in the world. He added that the title of this year’s message is in line with the historic document signed by Pope Francis earlier this year with the Sheikh of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi on human brotherhood titled, “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.”
The Vatican message signed by Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot encourages continued advancing the culture of dialogue as a means of cooperation and as a method of growing in knowledge of one another through three fundamental guidelines for pursuing dialogue and knowledge among people of different religions, namely “the duty of identity, the courage of otherness, and the sincerity of intentions.”
The message states that in order to respect diversity, dialogue must seek to promote every person’s right to life, to physical integrity, and to fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of conscience, of thought, of expression and of religion. This includes the freedom to live according to one’s beliefs in both the private and public spheres. In this way, Christians and Muslims, as brothers and sisters, can work together for the common good.
The Vatican’s Ramadan message conveys wishes “so that the gesture and message of fraternity will find an echo in the hearts of all those holding positions of authority in the areas of social and civil life of the whole human family, and may lead all of us to put into practice not merely an attitude of tolerance but true and peaceful living together.”
At the end of the statement, the CCSM extended heartfelt wishes to the custodian of the holy sanctuaries in noble Jerusalem, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ben Al Hussein, to Crown Prince Hussein Ben Abdullah, and to the extended Jordanian family. The CCSM also conveyed well wishes to journalists and Muslim everywhere on the advent by the month of love, fasting and prayer.
Have a happy month.
