Ramadan Iftar Dinner at OLA

March 11, 2026

Dear OLA Family,

On March 5th, our Indonesian Community, along with the Atlantic Institute, hosted a Ramadan Iftar dinner with our Muslim sisters and brothers from around the Atlanta area. Ramadan is the holiest month in the religion of Islam - a time when Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink while

focusing on prayer, charity, and spiritual growth.

For Catholics, it can be understood as somewhat similar in spirit to Lent - a period of sacrifice, reflection, and turning more deeply toward God. While the practices and beliefs differ, Ramadan is a time when Muslims seek greater holiness, self-discipline, and compassion for others.

The daily fast is broken at sundown with an Iftar dinner. I, along with many OLA parishioners, were able to participate in the one at OLA last week.. 

As Father Peter Pitol of our Indonesian Community shared:

"A central, heartwarming element of Ramadan is the Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. This gathering is a powerful expression of community, hospitality, and, most importantly, friendship. For Catholics, accepting an invitation to an Iftar is a profound act of fostering interreligious, or more accurately, inter-human friendship.

 Pope Francis has emphasized that religions must work together to build bridges rather than walls and a Ramadan gathering is a living example of this, offering a chance to 'live together in sincere and mutual respect.' It is not merely about 'tolerance,' but about genuine fraternity. Sharing a meal at Iftar breaks down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice.

The atmosphere of an Iftar—often festive, familial, and communal—is a testament to the joy of shared existence. It reminds Catholics that friendship with people of other faiths is not a compromise of one’s own identity but a fulfilment of the Christian call to love one’s neighbor (Mat 22:39). Through this, the Iftar table becomes a space where common humanity is celebrated, and 'true friendship' is fostered. The act of breaking bread together is, in itself, a profoundly sacred act, breaking down the artificial separations that often divide human beings.

Father Peter’s words rang true on an evening of deep faith, fraternity, and the understanding that we are more alike than different. 

Beyza Delen of the Atlantic Institute, whose purpose it is to promote dialogue and mutual understanding, spoke of Vatican documents and how the Catholic Church has "played a profound role in shaping a culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different religions."  In her words "this evening was a testament to 3 things, how much we both care, how much we both share and how desperately the world needs evenings just like this." 

To read Fr. Peter's Catholic Reflection on Ramadan, click here.

To read Beyza's Reflection on Ramadan, click here.

To read the Vatican's Dicastery of Interreligious Dialogue Statement for the Month of Ramadan, click here.

To see photos from the evening, click here. 

I am grateful for a Church that encourages building bridges among people of different faiths and for a parish and local community that actively support these efforts. I look forward to sharing more experiences in the future and hope you will join us. 

Yours in Christ,

Anne Stephens

Director of Communications