(Left to right) Fr. John Thomas, Dr. Kaleek Aseedu, and Khaibar Shafaq pause for a group picture on Feb. 27 during the Faith Fest Spring gathering at the Islamic Center of Owensboro. COURTESY OF KHAIBAR SHAFAQ
Interfaith leaders share about virtue of fasting during Faith Fest celebration
BY WKC STAFF
In the afternoon of Feb. 27, an interfaith gathering was held at the Islamic Center of Owensboro as part of Owensboro’s springtime Faith Fest celebration.
Hosted by the Owensboro-Daviess County Ministerial Association and the Owensboro Interfaith Center, the event featured reflections from Dr. Kaleek Aseedu, a local physician, and Fr. John Thomas, the rector of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro. All were welcome to attend the presentation.
Khaibar Shafaq, director of migration and refugee services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro, shared the following:
“What a meaningful and inspiring afternoon we shared at Faith Fest Spring at the Islamic Center of Owensboro. As Ramadan and Lent begin around the same time this year, our community had a beautiful opportunity to reflect together on fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal across our faith traditions.
“Dr. Kaleek Aseedu spoke about fasting as the third pillar of Islam – not simply abstaining from food, but disciplining the soul, deepening awareness of God, and growing in compassion for those in need. Fr. John Thomas reflected on Lent as a season of conversion and renewal. Referencing Pope Leo XIV’s message for Lent, he reminded us that fasting must lead to kindness and care for others. As he shared: ‘No matter how much time you spend fasting – even if you sleep on a hard floor, eat ashes, and sigh continually – if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.’
“While our traditions differ, the spiritual goal remains very similar: to draw closer to God and to treat our neighbors with greater kindness, humility, and dignity. Seeing people of different faiths come together in friendship and respect was truly inspiring and reflects the very best of our Owensboro community.”
Also present at the event were Rev. Dr. Claudia Ramisch, Rev. Rhondalyn Randolph, Owensboro judge-executive Charlie Castlen, and other community leaders.
Fr. John Thomas, rector of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, shares a spiritual reflection on Feb. 27 during an interfaith gathering at the Islamic Center of Owensboro. COURTESY OF KHAIBAR SHAFAQ
Originally printed in the April 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
