It has been a long standing tradition for our friars to offer our Muslim friends an iftar (a dinner celebrating the end of a fasting period) in the garden of our house in Bornova, in the province of Smyrna, in Turkey. On this most recent occasion, the entire community of friars from Istanbul also participated. We took advantage of the opportunity to also hold a fraternal chapter.
This celebration is always eagerly anticipated by our friends, especially by the authorities of the district of the city of Bornova. Thus, the Governor participated together with many officials of his cabinet, some military authorities, the mayor of our district of Erzene, and other officials from the cultural sector, along with several priests of the Archdiocese.
We are happy to report that this event was a big success! It is so important because it is a chance for we Catholics, along with other Christians, to offer the gift of an iftar to our friends and acquaintances. Our table is humbly opened up, providing an opportunity for fraternal sharing as we weave closer ties within this country that has welcomed us.
Fr. Adrian E. Loza, OFM
