Indian bishop: praying for Syria during Ramadan
by Nirmala Carvalho
Mgr Felix Machado, chairperson of the Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism of the CBCI, releases a message for Indian Muslims. The prelate calls on believers to pray for peace, a "gift of God".

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - 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 (Maharashtra), chairperson of the Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC). During this month, he will take part in some iftar (evening meal at the end of the daily fast) organised by the Muslim community of his diocese.

May God accompany all believers who surrender to him in prayer, fasting, meditating upon his word during this holy month of Ramadan.

May this moment of sharing/Iftar be an occasion for new initiatives in the course of the coming year.

May we work in spite of our diversity and differences of religious. May we all work to put into practice the gift of God, which is peace and may each one deepen their belief in God and may we all merit the benediction and Grace of God.

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.

Ramadan is the source of peace, which is attained through the practice of fasting and prayer.

This holy month should be a time to make peace and take initiatives towards peace.

I hope that the Compassionate God of all to whom they are praying to, give them the zeal to work for peace and good of all.

These days of Ramadan, we ask for prayers for Syria.