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Fast-breaking with poor strengthens friendships

Annual Sant'Egidio community event helps homeless Muslims in Jakarta
Fast-breaking with poor strengthens friendships
Published: June 28, 2016 10:32 AM GMT
Updated: June 28, 2016 10:33 AM GMT

The Community of Sant'Egidio in Jakarta has held its annual fast-breaking event for poor Muslims as part of its efforts to build friendships with poor people.

The activity held extra significance this year because of the special papal Year of Mercy.

Around 400 poor Muslims, many of them homeless and who scavenge for a living, came for a much-needed free meal at the event held on June 26 at St. Mary School in Jakarta.

"This program aims at strengthening our friendship with them. We've built this friendship with them since 1996, when the first fast-breaking event was organized," Herry Purnama, the event organizer told ucanews.com.

The event was originally for children from poor Muslim families. Organizers began including adults in 2006.

This year organizers had a little extra help from other Catholic groups.

Henny Soelistyo from Jakarta Archdiocese's Divine Mercy Community said many members of her community took part in the program.

"Pope Francis announced this year as the Year of Mercy. So we wanted to take part in this activity which shares love with those in need," she said.

Watch this ucanews.com video for more:

 

 

 

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