HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, released the following greeting to the Muslim community for Ramadan:
Dear Friends in the Muslim Community,
On behalf of the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warmest wishes to you as you begin the holy month of Ramadan. This sacred time, rich in spiritual meaning, is marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. Ramadan stands as a powerful witness to faith lived with intention, discipline, and devotion. It invites all believers to pause, to look inward, and to renew their commitment to serving God and caring for others with humility and compassion.
During Ramadan, the Muslim community comes together to seek closeness to God, to renew the spirit, and to strengthen bonds of family and community. As you gather with loved ones for prayer and the breaking of the fast, please know that your Christian neighbors stand with you in solidarity and friendship. We are grateful for the many ways in which the Muslim community enriches the life of our region through service, compassion, and hospitality. Your witness to faith and generosity is a blessing to all.
During his visit to Turkey last year, Pope Leo reflected on the hope that unites people of faith, saying, “in spite of religious differences, in spite of ethnic differences, in spite of many other differences people can indeed live in peace.”1 His words are a timely reminder that respect, dialogue, and friendship are essential foundations for building a more just and peaceful world.
In a world often marked by division, misunderstanding, and conflict, our shared commitment to prayer, service, and the pursuit of justice can help bridge divides and foster mutual understanding. As you observe Ramadan, Christians in our Diocese are also preparing to enter the season of Lent, a period marked by prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and works of mercy. Both Observances invite us to look beyond ourselves – to reach out to those who are suffering, to care for the poor and the marginalized, and to work for the common good. During these holy seasons, we are called to affirm the dignity of every person, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and to be instruments of peace in our communities and our world.
Please know of my prayers for you and your families during this blessed month. May the Almighty grant you strength and perseverance in your observance, and may your homes and communities be filled with peace. May our shared journey of faith draw us closer to God and to one another.
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Bishop of Harrisburg
1 Leo, “Press Conference of Pope Leo XIV on the Flight from Istanbul to Beirut,” The Holy See, https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/november/documents/20251130-libano-volo-andata.html (accessed February 9, 2026).
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