Archbishop Pérez recently sent the following letter to the Muslim faith community as it begins the solemn observance of Ramadan.
Dear Friends of the Muslim Faith Tradition,
I extend peaceful greetings as you embark on your month-long vigil of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
In 1985, Saint John Paul II addressed Muslim leaders while visiting Belgium. He said, “As Christians and Muslims, we encounter one another in faith in the one God, our Creator and guide, our just and merciful judge. We believe that God transcends our thoughts and our universe and that his loving presence accompanies us throughout each day.”
I echo those sentiments with deep respect and friendship and offer you my prayerful best wishes as you mark this holy time on your calendar.
May your lives give glory to the Almighty and bring serenity, joy, and prosperity to all those around you.
+Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
