Archdiocese of Chicago Will Join with the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago to Mark the Breaking of the Ramadan Fast at the 24th Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Islamic Foundation North in Libertyville
Chicago (March 11, 2024) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will join with the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) to mark a day’s fast at the 24th Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar dinner and program on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5 – 8:15 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation North (IFN), 1751 S. O'Plaine Rd., in Libertyville. Sponsored by the CIOGC, the annual interfaith iftar commemorates breaking the Ramadan fast, observing maghrib prayer and sharing a festive dinner and program. The iftar is a private event.
“The annual iftar meal offers Catholics and Muslims a wonderful chance to renew and develop our longstanding friendship in Metropolitan Chicago,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “Since Lent and Ramadan overlap this year, we have the unique opportunity to discuss together how both communities are especially committed to prayer, fasting, and charitable giving during these respective holy times in our traditions.”
Cardinal Cupich and Dr. Abdulgany Hamadeh, chairman of CIOGC, will offer remarks, and Bishop Mark Bartosic, of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and of Imam Azfar Uddin, of IFN, will each offer reflections on the evening’s theme, “Healing Through Kindness.” After the remarks, there will be a call to prayer and breaking of the fast at dusk. An iftar meal will follow compliments of the of IFN.
Considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims, Ramadan is a time of increased spiritual reflection and charitable giving, and prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of practicing self-control, gratitude and compassion. For many of those observing Ramadan, it is a time to become closer to God, to spend more time with one’s family and to give to those in need. Ramadan in 2024 is from the sunrise of Monday, March 11, 2024, or Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and concludes on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2024, or Wednesday, April 9, 2024, subject to sightings of the moon.
Media planning on covering the iftar are asked to kindly RSVP by email or phone to the CIOGC contact listed below.
