Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kasur (Fides Service) - Numerous young Catholic volunteers are helping to assist and resettle families affected by the October 8 earthquake in Kashmir Pakistan and Kashmir India. The volunteers work with Caritas Pakistan, other Catholic aid groups and Muslim aid organisations to help the victims mainly Muslims. All this is happening while Muslims are celebrating their annual Ramadan month of prayer and fasting.
This joint activity to help those in need is building inter-religious relations and solidarity. This is humanitarian aid not proselytising. This is demonstrated by MILAP a local Catholic NGO which is providing and sharing the evening meal (break fast) with local Muslim school girls according to the Ramadan tradition of fasting until sun-down.
“We respect people of all faiths, all created and endowed with dignity by Almighty God and ”, said Margaret Piara MILAP chairperson. Some of the school girls are Christians. Ms Piara said: “I encourage the girls to respect each other and to make friends. The fundamental teaching of all religions is peace and respect for every person. Out task is to promote social harmony”.
Fr. Inayat Bernard in Kasur who works to promote inter-religious dialogue and is helping to assist earthquake disaster victims said: “Ramadan serves also to remind us Christians to think more of God and to care for the poor and the excluded”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2005 righe 27 parole 267)
