AFRICA/EGYPT - On a mission between Ramadan and Lent

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) – "Ramadan Karim" and "Som Mubarak": these are the two expressions used to wish a good fast, the first for Muslims, the second for Christians. "March 1st marked the beginning of the Muslim fast of Ramadan, and a day later, the fast for Coptic Christians. Days of fasting and prayer that, we hope, make us more like brothers and sisters," writes Father Anselmo Fabiano of the Society of African Missions to Fides.

"Indeed, daily life is marked above all by Ramadan. Our Muslim friends fast from dawn to dusk, so life takes place much more at night than during the day," continues the missionary, who is currently in the village of Kom Ghareeb. "During the day, business and various activities start very late, and in the morning it is very difficult to find anyone. Muslim children and families stay in their homes and spend a lot of time watching the numerous television series that are broadcast at all hours precisely for this period. At night, around 4 a.m., the children are tasked with singing and drumming in the streets, waking everyone up so they can eat before dawn and the start of the fast. It is a great adventure to move around after sunset, because on the streets you will find people offering you food and drink to share the joy of the end of the day."

"For Christians, however, this Lent is characterized by a completely vegan diet, meaning no foods of animal origin, and lasts from midnight until Mass, which is usually held at noon, for 50 days," the Italian missionary continued. "Lent allows us to relive the experience of Jesus' fasting in the desert and strengthen our relationship with God. Lent is synonymous with silence, prayer, and almsgiving. It is a precious time to enter into a close relationship with the Lord, in which we abstain from something, such as food, to rediscover the essential presence of God in our lives. A privileged time that leads us to experience with enthusiasm the Easter joy of the Risen Christ."

"In this perspective, the activities of pastoral life continue with great joy, with so many experiences and so many encounters, especially catechesis for adolescents and young people and the Mass in the Coptic Rite, which is becoming increasingly familiar to me," affirms Father Anselmo. "It is a great joy for me to be able to speak Arabic better than before and to connect with people, listen to them, and share their joys and problems. Children are my favorite teachers, and I am continually amazed by their willingness and openness to form relationships and friendships."

Father Anselmo concludes his report by describing the constant exchange he maintains with young and old alike. "In the mornings, I sometimes go to the parish kindergarten, which is attended by Christian and Muslim children, so I have become part of the family. Spending the mornings with them, I improve my Arabic and teach them some English. I breathe the beauty of this thriving life, a village with so many children, and try, in my humble way, to be a witness to the Gospel for them. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to return to Cairo for a few days to participate in some meetings and run some errands. It was a great joy for me to see the small Catholic community of Shoubra again and share with them the joy of the Eucharist." (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 20/3/2025)

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