Archbishop Arshad Leads Labor Day Mass at Rawalpindi Hospice, Highlights Dignity of Work

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi presided over a Mass on May 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospice Westridge, marking both the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker and International Workers' Day.

The hospice is located in Westridge, a residential neighborhood in Rawalpindi, a major urban center adjacent to Islamabad in northern Pakistan. The facility serves elderly and chronically ill patients, providing palliative and long-term care, particularly for those with limited financial means.

Patients, staff, and volunteers attended the liturgy, including residents in wheelchairs and those under medical care. Prayers were offered for the well-being of patients and for caregivers engaged in daily service.

In his homily, Archbishop Arshad reflected on the example of Saint Joseph, describing him as a model of quiet service and responsibility. He said Joseph’s life as a carpenter underscores the value of ordinary work carried out with integrity.

He urged healthcare workers and support staff to view their roles as a form of vocation grounded in service. Addressing doctors, nurses, and maintenance personnel, he said each responsibility contributes to preserving the dignity of those who are most vulnerable.

The archbishop also emphasized the social dimension of labor, noting that institutions such as the hospice respond to the needs of people who are often marginalized. He said providing sustained care to the sick and elderly reflects a commitment to human dignity and equality.

Following the Mass, staff and patients presented a short cultural program, including a dance and a drama focused on the ethical treatment of workers. The activities were organized within the hospice community and involved participation from both caregivers and residents.

St. Joseph’s Hospice operates under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and serves as a key Church-run healthcare institution in the region. It provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients requiring long-term and end-of-life care, contributing to the Church’s outreach to vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

In closing remarks, Sr. Mariam Sadiq, representing the hospice, thanked Archbishop Arshad for his presence and acknowledged the contributions of staff, donors, and volunteers. She highlighted the role of caregivers whose work sustains the hospice’s services.

The event concluded with a brief gathering, marking the dual observance of Labor Day and the feast dedicated to workers in the Catholic Church.