Aldo Danielle, a priest in the town of Paderno di Ponzano, in Veneto region, opened the door of his church to allow Muslims to meet and pray in his parish for Friday prayers. He hopes to foster better dialogue, and integration of Muslims in the local community. Volunteers at the church of Santa Maria Assunta have responded positively, saying that this has opened up an opportunity for cultural exchange, and to break down barriers caused by misunderstandings and intolerance. An estimated 650 immigrants, mostly of North African descent, live in Paderno di Ponzano – a town of about 9,800 people.
