Bishop Paulo Martinelli: Special Time Ramadan To Pray For Victims Of The Turkish And Syrian Earthquake

The impact of the Turkish earthquake in Syria. (Twitter/@SyrianACD)

JAKARTA - The head of the Catholic Church in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) invited the public to pray for families who were victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, during the month of Ramadan this time. In a Ramadan message distributed to The National, Bishop Paulo Martinelli expressed his prayers and good hopes to Muslims.

He also called on the faithful to remember those who have suffered countless difficulties due to poverty and war.

"In a special way, we remember earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, the suffering of mankind affected by war, disease and hunger," said Bishop Martinelli, as reported by The National News March 24.

"Let us specifically remember our brothers and sisters around the world who have been badly affected by the hardships and tremendous suffering," he continued.

Bishop Martinelli is a Apostolic Vikaris for South Arabia, the highest-ranking Catholic official in jurisdictions including the UAE, Oman, and Yemen.

He said this year Ramadan and the pre-Green period of Christians coincided and gave opportunities to people from both parties, to help those in need.

Thursday became the first day of Ramadan 1444 H. While the pre-Pakkah period began last month, marking the period during which Christians fasted and prayed in preparation for Easter.

Saying hello to the Muslim community for Ramadan, Bishop said: "This year's Ramadan coincides with the pre-Paskah period of Christians which began three weeks ago.

"This year Christians and Muslims have the opportunity to fast, pray and open themselves up to do charity at the same time," he said.

"This is a special time to recognize and celebrate that we are part of one human brotherhood," continued Bishop Martinelli.

He prayed for blessings for the UAE and hoped this reflection time would unite people around the world.

"Hopefully this holy month will help us to get closer to God and to our brothers and sisters," Bishop Martinelli hoped.

"Hopefully this will help us bring peace and friendship between people and nations, to build a more humane world and brotherhood," he continued.

"May the loving and omnipotent God bless and protect our country and our world," concluded Bishop Martinelli.