Filipino Catholics urged to fast during Ramadan

Jun 17, 2016

MANILA: A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao has urged Catholics to observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by fasting.

“As one of our grounds of unity, we ask Christians and non-Muslims to observe solidarity fasting,” said retired Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao.

“We should promote this kind of activity as our way of dialogue with other religions,” he said, adding that fasting is common to all religions.

In the late 1970s, Archbishop Capalla initiated a programme called Duyog Ramadan or “one with Ramadan” that encouraged non-Muslims in Mindanao to fast during the observance of the Muslim holy month.

“It was organized during the height of the armed conflict to show that Christians and Muslims want peace in the region,” recalled the prelate.

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayer, fasting, giving to charity and religious devotion.

Ramadan this year began June 6. Muslims during this month will fast, abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sundown every day. Some Catholics and Protestants in some provinces of Mindanao continue the Duyog Ramadan tradition by living and fasting in Muslim communities.

Macrina Morados, dean of the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines, said Ramadan, for Muslims, is a time for purification.

“It is a deep contemplation of one’s relationship with God, a greater act of charity and generosity, and an intense study of the sacred scripture,” she said.

Morados said the monthlong observance is “a time of celebration and joy.” She welcomed the call of various Church and religious groups to hold “solidarity fasts” during the holy month.

“Fasting is not exclusive to Muslims. The act of fasting is even older than any existing religion,” she said. “Its principle is to develop self-restraint and to do greater good to others,” Morados added.

In Mindanao, the Philippine military announced the temporary suspension of offensive operations against suspected Islamist rebel groups.

“The ceasefire was to respect their rights to fast peacefully in their respective homes,” said Colonel Roseller Murillo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade. -- ucanews.com