A human fraternity initiative by the Catholic Church in Kuwait

Fr. Sliman Hifawi
Special to The Times Kuwait

In an atmosphere reflecting the spirit of love and spiritual encounter that characterizes Kuwaiti society, the Catholic Church in Kuwait launched a humanitarian initiative to coincide with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and the start of the Lenten season (the Great Fast) for Christians.

Holy Family Cathedral

Fr. Sliman Hifawi, spokesperson of the Catholic Church in the country, accompanied by several priests, distributed dates and water to passersby about half an hour before the Maghrib call to prayer, in front of the Holy Family Cathedral.

This initiative embodied a profound symbolic message: that fasting, despite its different traditions, converges in its essence around the values of repentance, prayer, mercy, and service to humanity. It also reaffirmed that the State of Kuwait will continue to be a model of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among followers of different religions.

In his address during the event, Fr. Sliman Hifawi emphasized that the coincidence of the two fasting seasons this year carries a distinctive spiritual significance.

He stated that this meeting along the path of fasting is a shared call to return to God, purify hearts, and strengthen acts of charity. He noted that believers in the one God are invited to walk together on the path of repentance and prayer, and to be witnesses of love and peace within society.

Fr. Sliman also offered prayers for the State of Kuwait, asking God to protect His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the country, and His Highness the Crown Prince, and to grant Kuwait continued blessings of security and stability, so that it may remain a land of tolerance, freedom of worship, and fraternal encounter.

The organizers affirmed that this initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote a culture of coexistence and to strengthen Kuwait’s image as a welcoming environment for religious and cultural diversity, where spiritual values complement one another in serving humanity and safeguarding human dignity.

The initiative was warmly received by passersby, who expressed their appreciation for the gesture, considering it a true reflection of the cohesive Kuwaiti society built upon respect, fraternity, and human solidarity.