Thousands of worshipers will come together in London this weekend to honour Eid al-Adha, one of the holy celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
Eid prayers will be held on the field of Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Secondary School, Friday.
“The Muslim community asked the school board if we had an outdoor location, like a field at a high school, that they could use for their Eid celebrations,” said Mark Adkinson spokesperson for the London District Catholic Board. “Through our community use of schools, we were able to accommodate that request. From what we’ve heard, there will be thousands of our Muslim neighbours on the fields of Saint Andre Bessette on Friday.”
Adkinson hopes the goodwill gesture sends a message of community.
“We’re all neighbours within the city. We work together, we shop together, we play together. This is just one part of an ongoing co-operation that we hope to have. Our high schools are open access so there are a number of Muslim students in all of our high schools. It’s just an extension of who we are.”
In a Facebook post, the London Muslim Mosque wrote: “we are fortunate that our community has established a strong and healthy relationship with our Christian neighbours, including the London District Catholic School Board.”
Adkinson hopes to foster continuing co-operation between the different faiths.
“They’re our brothers and sisters. They may be of a different faith tradition, but they are of a faith tradition. We’re more than happy to be able to be a good neighbour to them and really be able to accommodate the use of our facility for this celebration and prayer.”
Those of the Muslim faith begin their celebrations with morning prayers, followed by food and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Eid al-Adha starts Friday and lasts four days.