On 28 March Kerry Stone, Diocesan Caritas and Social Justice Coordinator, found herself walking the talk as guest speaker at a Ramadan Dinner at Notre Dame College, Shepparton.
“I have often described Caritas as the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development working irrespective of race, religion and politics,” said Kerry. “Never has it had greater meaning than on the night of the Ramadan Caritas fundraiser!” “It certainly was one of the most unusual requests I’ve received and yet it was so fitting,” said Kerry. Initially somewhat surprised by the invitation, Kerry was thrilled to be a part of the evening.
“I was able to use the example of our long-standing partnership with Muslim NGO, Laz Harfa, in West Java with projects addressing water, sanitation, agricultural and skills training. Additionally, I could share an update about our humanitarian response in a wide variety of religiously diverse communities including Gaza, Lebanon, Eritrea, Morocco and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, as just a few examples. Together we really do UNITE AGAINST POVERTY as the theme for this year’s Project Compassion asks us to do.”
The idea to host a Ramadan Dinner to fundraise for Caritas’ Project Compassion was suggested by Cidra Chkhaydem, a student and Cultural Diversity Leader at Notre Dame College. Cidra spoke at her Mosque about Caritas and Project Compassion and invited her community to the fundraiser, and her Imam as guest speaker along with Kerry.
The night commenced with Welcome to Country by Blayne O’Brien, Year 11 First Nations Leader, a Christian prayer spoken by Elizabeth Jegede, Notre Dame Diversity Leader of Congolese ethnicity, and the Muslim Call to Prayer by Imam Hysni Merja from the Shepparton Albanian Mosque (one of four Mosques in the town).
Ramadan is a Holy period observed by Muslims in the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. Its start date varies between locations because it commences with the sighting of the crescent moon. It is a time for strengthening spiritual connection, showing generosity and fostering community. During Ramadan, Muslims practise fasting from sunrise to sunset, increase worship and prayer, undertake acts of charity, and break their fast with others each evening with a shared meal called Iftar. Iftar provides a special opportunity for reflection and gratitude while fostering a sense of unity and strengthening relationships. Many mosques and Muslim organisations host communal Iftars to ensure no one breaks their fast alone.
Various Interfaith Iftar dinners were held across Shepparton during Ramadan. The Notre Dame College dinner is significant because it raised funds for a Catholic Charity working in Muslim communities and was organised by students of Notre Dame College.
