The spirit of unity and shared faith will be front and center this Friday as the Islamic Center of Owensboro hosts the second annual Faith Fest spring event, a growing offshoot of the long-running interfaith initiative known as Faith Fest.
This year’s spring event, co-sponsored by the Owensboro Interfaith Center and the Owensboro-Daviess County Ministerial Association, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Islamic Center (3131 Alvey Park Drive West). It will feature a unique interfaith dialogue during Jummah (Friday prayer), highlighting the shared spiritual significance of pilgrimage in both Islam and Christianity.
“We’re excited to host this conversation,” said Rev. Dr. Claudia Ramisch, a lead organizer and longtime supporter of the interfaith effort. “The goal is to remind the community that interfaith dialogue and cooperation should be part of our ongoing lives — not just something we do once a year.”
Guest speaker Dr. Aseedu Kalik, president of the Islamic Center, will reflect on Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that is one of Islam’s five pillars. He will be joined by Fr. Larry Hostetter, president emeritus of Brescia University and incoming pastor at St. Pius X Catholic Church, who will speak on pilgrimage from a Catholic perspective.
The theme this year, “Walking Toward God,” draws on the calendar alignment of two sacred observances: Hajj and Pentecost.
“Both traditions honor pilgrimage as a path of spiritual transformation,” Ramisch said. “It’s a way people open themselves to God, reflect on their lives, and renew their purpose.”
While Faith Fest has been a fall staple for 15 years, Ramisch said the team launched a spring event last year to keep interfaith engagement alive year-round.
The event marks a broader shift in local interfaith efforts, including growing participation in community service. Ramisch cited a recent Habitat for Humanity build that brought together 25 faith organizations — Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and others.
“People are beginning to realize that the faith community is broader than they thought,” she said. “It’s about building a safer, more connected neighborhood — right next door.”
Though still small, organizers hope the spring edition of Faith Fest will expand in coming years, possibly incorporating more faith traditions and service opportunities.
“We don’t expect it to be as large as the fall events yet, but we hope this is just the beginning,” Ramisch said. “When Muslims and Christians talk to each other, you’re talking about nearly half the world. We need to be part of that global conversation.”
Following the speakers, attendees will be invited to join in conversation and ask questions. The event is free and open to the public.
