Embracing Diversity: Indonesian Catholic School Hosts Interfaith Iftar Event
By LiCAS News
In a beautiful display of unity and harmony, Kanisius Junior High School in Girisonta, Ungaran, Central Java, organized an iftar event during the holy month of Ramadan. This event, which saw students from different faiths coming together, was a powerful initiative to promote religious moderation and understanding.
Managed by the Archdiocese of Semarang in collaboration with St. Stanislaus Parish Girisonta, the school hosted a workshop on religious moderation prior to the iftar. Led by Fr. Eduardus Didik Chahyono SJ and H. Sinwani, the workshop aimed to equip students with the knowledge and understanding needed to foster unity and collaboration with people of different beliefs.
Fr. Agustinus Widisana SJ, Parish Priest of Girisonta, emphasized the importance of reaching out to young people in the community. He highlighted the need for youth to embrace religious moderation as a means to promote fraternity and understanding among diverse populations.
During the event, Muslim students showcased their talents by performing a traditional rebana piece, much to the delight of their peers. The sense of solidarity and mutual support among the students was evident, as they came together to celebrate their differences and shared values.
Reflecting on the enriching experience, Fabianus Nandana Banu Abiyasa, a Catholic student, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from both Islamic and Catholic religious leaders. He also praised the musical performances and the overall spirit of unity that permeated the event.
School principal Herry Chrisnanto shared his hopes for similar events to be held in other schools, emphasizing the importance of fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. He envisioned a future where such activities would be a regular occurrence, bringing together students from various backgrounds.
Fr. Didik echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a unique opportunity to nurture unity and integrity among the youth. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a sense of togetherness in order to build a stronger and more harmonious society.
