EID AL-FITR Message 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE AUGUSTINIAN COMMUNITY FOR EID AL-FITR: ON FRATERNITY AND COMMON PURPOSE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we unite in spirit with our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating Eid al-Fitr, we extend our heartfelt greetings of peace and solidarity. This joyous occasion marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection. It embodies values of compassion, gratitude, and community—principles that resonate deeply across all faiths.

A Message of Peace and Solidarity

Eid al-Fitr is not only a celebration of the end of fasting but also a reaffirmation of the bonds that unite us as one human family. It reminds us of the importance of reaching out to one another, fostering understanding, and building bridges of friendship and cooperation. In a world often divided by differences, let us embrace this opportunity to promote harmony and mutual respect among all people.

Insights from Pope Francis’ ‘Fratelli Tutti’ on Fraternity

In his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis emphasizes the significance of fraternity and social friendship in creating a just and peaceful world. He reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs, and calls for a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship. The Pope underscores that only together, acknowledging our shared humanity, can we address the challenges facing our world today.

Augustinian Spirituality and the Pursuit of Peace

Saint Augustine of Hippo, a pivotal figure in Christian thought, offers profound insights into the nature of peace and human relationships. His concept of tranquillitas ordinis, or the „tranquility of order”, suggests that true peace is achieved when each person and community lives in harmony, fulfilling their rightful place within the divine order. Augustine believed that peace replaces restlessness when our lives are directed toward God, advocating for a life lived in accordance with virtue, which he defines as „the order of love”. Augustinian spirituality emphasizes the importance of community and the common good. Augustine taught that all people should honor God in one another, recognizing the divine image within each person. This recognition calls us to live together in unity and mutual respect, striving for a society where justice and peace prevail.

Collaborating for Peace and Human Development

Together, we have the power to work towards peace and the holistic development of all individuals. By standing in solidarity, we can bring God’s mercy closer to those who suffer from war, injustice, and poverty. Our collective efforts can transform societies, heal wounds, and uplift those in need, embodying the true spirit of compassion and love that both our faiths cherish. The Augustinian Order, as an accredited Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations, actively works to defend human rights, promote education and literacy, and foster a culture of peace. Their commitment serves as an example of how faith communities can collaborate to address global challenges and promote human dignity.

United in Caring for Our Common Home

Our shared responsibility extends to the environment—the common home that sustains us all. As we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, let us also reflect on how we can protect and preserve our planet for future generations. Embracing eco-friendly practices during our festivities and daily lives honors the Creator’s gift and ensures that we leave a thriving world for those who come after us. Simple actions, such as reducing waste and supporting sustainable initiatives, can make a significant difference. The Augustinians are committed to caring for the environment and those impacted by environmental change. They promote education, reflection, dialogue, prayer, and opportunities for people to take action in response to the environmental crisis. Such initiatives highlight the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing ecological challenges.

Interfaith Dialogue and Mutual Understanding

Engaging in interfaith dialogue enriches our understanding and appreciation of one another’s traditions and beliefs. Saint Augustine’s approach to dialogue was rooted in humility and a genuine desire for truth. He believed that engaging with others, even those of differing beliefs, could lead to a deeper understanding of one’s own faith and the discovery of common ground. The practice of Scriptural Reasoning, where individuals from different faiths come together to study their sacred texts, exemplifies this approach. It fosters an environment of mutual respect and learning, allowing participants to explore differences and similarities in a spirit of friendship.

Conclusion

In this spirit of unity and shared purpose, let us celebrate Eid al-Fitr with hearts open to love, understanding, and cooperation. May this occasion inspire us all to strengthen the bonds of fraternity, work tirelessly for peace and justice, and commit ourselves to the stewardship of our beautiful planet. Together, guided by our faith and common values, we can build a world that reflects the divine mercy and compassion bestowed upon us all.

With warm regards and prayers for a blessed Eid,

In Deum,

Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandez Gonzaga, OSA

Representative of the Augustinian Order to the United Nations