The member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) described the holy month of Ramadan as “an important moment” and added in reference to Muslims observing the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, “We pray that God will bless them and give them the strength to hold on, because the effect of not eating from morning to night can give way to temptation.”
The 30-day Ramadan started April 2 and is scheduled to conclude on May 2 with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Addressing the Muslim community during the April 7 visit, Cardinal Nzapalainga said the items donated are only “a small symbolic gesture that we are making to tell our brothers that we have not forgotten them but we are there, close, in solidarity and we share this moment with them.”
The Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Bangui said that the people of God in CAR need “peace and to live together.”
“Ramadan is an opportunity for the Muslim brothers to come closer to God to ask for His grace,” the Cardinal said.
This month of Ramadan, he said, “is an opportunity to highlight the idea of social cohesion, living together and brotherly love, which are essential elements for peace.”
Addressing the Cardinal after receiving the donation, the Deputy Secretary General of CSISCA, Imam Abdoulaye Ouasselegue, said, “We thank the Lord who motivated our brother Cardinal Nzapalainga who came to give us these products on the occasion of the month of Ramadan.”
“We testify that this is not the first nor the last time because for years he has not ceased to help us,” Imam Ouasselegue said.
The Muslim leader implored, “We pray to the Lord to give him (Cardinal Nzapalainga) more means, strength and wisdom to continue his works, not only Priestly but also humanitarian.”
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.
