News Releases

Chicago, IL (May 16, 2019) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will join with the Muslim community to mark the end of the Ramadan fast at the 22nd Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar dinner and program on Tues., May 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation, 301 W. Highridge Rd., in Villa Park. Sponsored by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), the annual interfaith Iftar commemorates breaking the Ramadan fast, observing maghrib prayer and sharing a festive dinner and program. Ramadan 2019 began in Chicago on the evening of Sun., May 5 and ends the evening of June 4.

“Coming together for the annual Iftar is a wonderful occasion for Catholics to grow in our understanding of Islam and for our two communities to know each other better,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “To my Muslim brothers and sisters, I ask that God bless you and strengthen you as you continue your disciplines throughout this holy month of Ramadan and you commit yourselves to fasting, prayer and good deeds.”                                          

This year’s program, “Spirituality as a Path to our Common Humanity," will include brief addresses by representatives from the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Joliet, and the CIOGC. Remarks about the evening’s theme will be provided by Susan Pudelek, coordinator of Interreligious Relations for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Dr. Yousef Casewit, assistant professor of Qur'anic Studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A dinner will be served after the fast is broken at dusk, compliments of the CIOGC.

Considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims, Ramadan is a time of increased spiritual reflection and prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of learning 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.