Bishop Ciereszko invites Christians and Muslims to an online prayer meeting
"We would like to turn to Mary and entrust to her the approximation of these religious confessions in order to overcome everything that divides," said Bishop Henryk Ciereszko, President of the Committee of the Polish Bishops' Conference for Dialogue with Non-Christian Religions, as he announced the online prayer meeting of Christians and Muslims on the occasion of the Annunciation of the Lord under the motto: "Mary, mother of the Messiah."
"This holiday is important for us, Catholics, but also for the followers of other religions. Years ago in Lebanon Muslims, who venerate Mary, took the initiative to celebrate this holiday together with Catholics, Orthodox and other denominations and religions, as a great feast of common prayer and with reference to Mary," explained Bishop Ciereszko.
In line with this initiative, similar prayer meetings take place in other countries. This year once again such an event is organized in Poland by Catholics and Muslims together. Due to the pandemic, the meeting will be held online on March 25 at 8:00 p.m. (YouTube link: https://youtu.be/l9wz5VG8Jak).
"Together we want to turn to Mary and entrust to her the approximation of these confessions, in order to overcome all that divides. Mary is the one who unites," emphasized Bishop Ciereszko.
Bishop Ciereszko said that Muslims venerate Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her name is the only name mentioned in the Koran. "They have a great respect for Mary, who gave life to Jesus, and treat her as Mother for many. Hence, they meditate her qualities," he added. He also pointed out that in the Middle East Muslims make pilgrimages to holy places, where Mother of God is venerated. "So, Mary is seen as the one whose heart is understanding and caring and who can open human hearts to one another. She can unite and bring people together."
Meeting Agenda:
1. Welcome
2. Introduction: - Bishop Henryk Ciereszko, President of the Committee of the Polish Bishops' Conference for Dialogue with Non-Christian Religions - mufti Tomasz Miśkiewicz - Muslim Religious Union in Poland - imam Youssef Chadid - Muslim League in Poland
3. Video message from Lebanon - Mr. Nagy El-Khoury - one of the initiators of the Muslim-Christian Feast of the Annunciation
4. The piece AVE MARIA in a Christian-Muslim arrangement
5. Holy Books on the Annunciation - the Gospel of St. Luke (1,26-38) - Koran (3: 42-52)
6. Homily / sermon - duet - Bishop Henryk Ciereszko - Mufti Tomasz Miśkiewicz
7. The prayer of entrustment - Mufti Tomasz Miśkiewicz - Bishop Henryk Ciereszko
8. Adjournment
Joint Council of Catholics and Muslims / Press Office of the Polish Bishops' Conference
