Ramadan dinner for neighbors planned in Southborough¸ Massachusetts

Southborough Neighbors for Peace is inviting families in Southborough in Worcester County, US state of Massachusetts, to its third annual Iftar dinner, which will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Saturday, May 19, at 7 p.m. 

Southborough Neighbors for Peace is inviting families in Southborough in Worcester County, US state of Massachusetts, to its third annual Iftar dinner, which will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Saturday, May 19, at 7 p.m. 

Five Muslim families from Southborough will provide catered Middle Eastern food. 

This year’s gathering will be held in memory of those lost in the Parkland, Fla. and Toronto tragedies. Non-perishable food data-x-items will be collected for the Southborough Food Pantry. 

“This dinner really makes sense. The purpose of Ramadan is building a sense of community with everyone, not just those who observe,” Medina said. 

“Ramadan is the most spiritual month for Muslims. Those who observe it are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, including abstaining from food and water.

Southborough Neighbors for Peace grew out of a connection between Medina and Reverend Phil LaBelle, the pastor at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The two met through their children.

Reverend LaBelle said “As a Christian priest, I didn’t know much about Ramadan other than what I learned at seminary: that it was the month when Muslims fasted during the daylight hours in honor of the Prophet Muhammad receiving the Quran.,” LaBelle said. “What my Muslim neighbors have taught me is that while they fast during the day, there is great celebration and feasting when the sun sets.” 

“My life has been enriched by these (interfaith) friendships and in learning more about the different ways people worship God,” he added. 

Southborough Neighbors for Peace is now made up of a core group of 15 to 20 members, according to Medina.