The president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences spoke on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim month of prayer and fasting. The prelate remembers the Bangladesh victims and encourages religious leaders to build bridges of peace.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), spoke to AsiaNews on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim month of prayer and fasting.
He noted “As violence picks up its deadly pace, we can draw strength from God's endless mercy. We are called to face these grave challenges with peaceful solidarity on the part of all people of good will.”
Remembering the victims of the Dhaka massacre, Bangladesh, by Islamic terrorists, he said that the whole Church in Asia is mourning the attack, "which struck so close to the end of the Holy season of Ramadan.”
Stressing that most of Muslims live in Asia, particularly in the south and southeast, he added that, "together as brothers we must foster a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity." The cardinal's message follows.
“We are living in a time of great dangers and great opportunities for humankind and the world, a time which is also of great responsibility for us all. It is essential and urgent that religious leaders, governments and communities work together to build bridges of peace and promote reconciliation.
“May no one be tempted to despair by this recent attack. Dangerous forces and powers thrive on the empty hope that terror will blind us to our common humanity, removing one from God and leading to destruction, the dimensions of which at times horrify us.
“Let us pray and work for reconciliation, justice, peace and development, and as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in Asia, I assure you that the Church wants to continue building bridges of friendship with the followers of all religions in order to seek the true good of every person and of society as a whole.
“May Christian-Muslim friendship inspire us always to cooperate in facing these many challenges, thus ensuring that religions can be a source of harmony for the benefit of society as a whole and for the human family.
“I send you cordial greetings. May your lives glorify the Almighty and give you joy and peace.”
(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)