WINTER PARK | During Ramadan, Muslims believe their fasting is a time of blessing. That is the wish expressed when they greet each other with the words Ramadan Mubarak.

At the recent Iftar (sundown) dinner hosted by St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, Christians and Muslims exchanged similar wishes. They also celebrated their mutual commitment to faith and friendship.

This year, the holy month of Ramadan and the 40 days of Lent coincide. It was the ideal occasion for 120 Muslims and Christians to sit around dinner tables in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Peace and Justice ministry coordinator Meghan Collins described the meal as, “an opportunity to learn more about each other’s culture, traditions and religion. It is an opportunity to develop a sense of friendship and solidarity.”

During Ramadan, fasting involves a daylong abstinence from food and drink, including water, by every adult Muslim. It is the means to fulfill Sawm, the Fourth Pillar of Islam in which the faithful focus on developing a richer perception of God and a deeper understanding of the needs of others. The Iftar dinner at the end of the day is the all important, fast-breaking meal.

The main course of the Iftar meal at St. Margaret Mary was provided by the Atlantic Institute of Central Florida. The Atlantic Institute is an organization dedicated to the mission of achieving “global harmony through high human values, fostering respect and peaceful coexistence for all.” The institute’s Central Florida executive director, Mustafa Yucekaya shared, “While you are sharing the meal with your friends you have a lot of joy. You’re sharing what you have.” He added, “In Ramadan and Lent you understand the needs of the poor.”

Also in attendance was Msgr. Richard Walsh, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish.

“All you have to do is look around and see people interacting with each other. Food has a way of bringing people together,” Msgr. Walsh said.

He also referred to the Second Vatican Council’s document titled the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions which emphatically states: “All men form but one community. This is so because all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth.”

The document also urges her sons and daughters to “enter into discussion and collaboration with members of other religions,” — a goal well achieved by the recent Iftar meal.

By George Fournier, Special to the Florida Catholic, March 13, 2025