March 11, 2026 - Archbishop Henning's Message for Ramadan
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Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters,
In all the neighborhoods of Boston, from Allston to West Roxbury and all the surrounding towns from Abington to Wrentham, you are our neighbors. You carry on your faith and make contributions to your communities as “believers in God, ‘who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to humanity.’” (Second Vatican Council, Declaration Nostra Aetate, 28 October 1965, 3). And so, on behalf of your Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, I wish to bring you greetings for the holy month of Ramadan and the Feast of Id al-Fitr.
This year, Christians are fasting in the season of Lent towards Easter at the same time you are fasting. We are both seeking to understand and follow God’s will more closely in our lives. In troubled times, the hope and clear direction we get from our faiths is more important than ever. Together we are called to work for a more just and loving city and world and, as The Apostle Paul exhorts us, to “overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).
To those of you thirsting for justice, equality, and dignity, know that this is our endeavor too; we are in solidarity with all who suffer and struggle to restore peace in this world and in human hearts.
Peace is our wish for you, the peace which is the gift of God and which renews our world.
May the Almighty fill each of you with blessing and consolation and divine love.
-Archbishop Richard Henning