Church to Hold Ramadan Outreach Program

MANILA, Sept. 3, 2010-In what they call an act of religious solidarity, Catholics are doing an outreach activity for Muslim inmates in Southern Philippines.

Basic needs such as toiletries, soap and medicines will be given to around 200 inmates in both the Marawi City and Provincial jails on September 7, the eve of the feast of the Virgin Mary.

"It will also be like a fiesta (celebration) because Maranaos have high regard for Mama Mary," said Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Peña.

"So we want Mama Mary to be our bridge for peace (between Christians and Muslims), he said.

Dubbed as "Duyog (accompanying) Ramadan", Dela Peña said it aims to demonstrate Christian solidarity for Muslims as they mark the end of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims around the world will fast during the hours of daylight.

Depending on the lunar calendar, Ramadan is expected to end between September 10 and 12.

According to the bishop, the outreach program is also in coordination with some peace-oriented Christian and Muslim organizations there.

"We Christians sympathize with them through this program for inmates and we work with other local non-government organizations," he said. [CBCPNews]