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Sharing in the Victory of the Resurrected Christ: Gift of Solidarity and Peace on Ramadan Gift-Giving

Apr. 21, 2023 11:46 AM

Members of the Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs Ministry (EIAM), Social Service and Development Ministry together with Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, Parochial Vicar of Quiapo Church and members of the Interfaith Harmony for a group photo during Ramadan gift-giving this Easter Sunday 2023 (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

On April 9, 2023, at 10:00 am, the Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry (DPRM) and the Social Services & Development Ministry (SSDM) headed by Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, Parochial Vicar, launched the Ramadan gift-giving at the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center within the Muslim community of Quiapo.

About 650 Muslim recipients from that community were given food packs. From the original 500 gift packages from the Quiapo Church, another 150 food packs were added by the Pacific Dialogue Foundation, a Muslim Turkish Foundation, and the Church of Jesus Christ at Latter Days Saints, who, at the same time, donated 300 pieces of loaf bread. The entire activity was under the guidance of Sultan Abdusalam “Gerry” Magarang, Administrator of the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo Muslim Group. During the event, Sultan Magarang calls on the present Muslim constituents and non-Muslim counterparts for further solidarity and harmonious relationship among the diversified groups. This outreach activity aims to be an act of charity for our Muslim brethren during this Ramadan season. Extensively, this conveys a message of peacebuilding rooted in freedom of exercise of religious practices and beliefs, that thrives in this so-called ‘Heart of Manila.’

Muslim beneficiaries received donations of food packages in the spirit of Ramadan season (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

With reference to peace as one of the foundations of faith, the greeting of ‘Peace be with you’ (John 14:27) by the resurrected Christ during his first appearance to the disciples and the Assalamualaikum by the Muslims as part of their greetings prove that God—or Allah for the Muslims—is, indeed, the prime source of peace binding diverse religions advocating love, justice, and brotherhood.

In this spirit of the Easter season, we wish to bring peace and goodwill to our Muslim friends and families. May this beginning of Easter bring renewed joy and hope that we will coexist continually with equal opportunities that will allow us to spread the good news of redemption as one big community of faithful serving God. Have a blessed Easter and Ramadan season, everyone!

– Kidanzac A. Tallada | EIAM & ADRM 

Ramadan Gift-giving 2023 in the Muslim community of Quiapo, Manila (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)