A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippines reminded Filipinos to continue working for peace and unity as the country joined over the weekend in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, a Muslim religious holiday to mark the end of Ramadan.
“We are all reminded by this celebration to be peacebuilders and to be charitable to the needy,” said Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz.
“Let us all be united and realize the call of God for peace, and let us be generous to our poor brothers and sisters,” the prelate said in Filipino over a Radio Veritas 846 broadcast.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier expressed “unity” with the Muslim community during the Eid’l Fitr celebration.
In his message, the president said he hopes that the Muslims here and overseas will deeply instill and apply in their daily lives the teachings and values during the observance of Ramadan.
“As you culminate the holy month of Ramadan by celebrating the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, may you sustain the values, teachings, and practices that you have wholeheartedly discerned and embodied throughout this time,” said Marcos.
“Let this form the foundations of your characters as you continue to fulfill righteous deeds and strive to live a virtuous life moving toward.”
“With our many faiths informing all our actions and bridging all our differences as a diverse set of peoples, we can transcend any challenge and still remain unified under the banners of camaraderie, respect, and love,” said Marcos.
The celebration of Eid’l Fitr is an expression of the Muslims’ gratitude to God for the strength to fast and to seek forgiveness for sins committed during the year.
