Archbishop Khalid Rehmat Confirms 185 Children, Inaugurates Catechism Week in Lahore

Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to around 185 children at St. Padre Pio Catholic Church in Mehar Town, Lahore, northeastern Pakistan, on May 3, 2026. Seven priests and sisters from the Apostolic Carmel concelebrated the Mass, attended by nearly 3,000 faithful.

The parish community welcomed the Archbishop with a traditional reception. He was escorted into the church compound in a horse-drawn carriage as rose petals were showered along the route. The welcome also featured drum performances, the release of pigeons and balloons, and cultural presentations by students of St. Mary's High School, Lahore.

Before the Mass, Archbishop Rehmat inaugurated and blessed a seven-foot Franciscan Tau Cross installed on the church grounds, symbolizing the Franciscan spirituality of the parish community.

During the liturgy, approximately 185 boys and girls received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In his homily, Archbishop Rehmat referred to the 1972 apostolic constitution of Pope Paul VI while explaining the theology of the sacrament. He said the Holy Spirit imparts an “indelible character” upon witnesses of Christ.

He described the Holy Spirit as a source of courage and wisdom, encouraging the youth to become “Ambassadors of Christ” committed to promoting peace and justice.

The confirmation candidates came from different residential areas within the parish. Nine catechists, together with teachers, prepared the children for the sacrament.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), 12-year-old Zeenia Fayaz said she felt spiritually strengthened after receiving Confirmation and hoped to use the grace she received to serve others in school and in her neighborhood.

Emanuel Aqeel, 13, described the ceremony as a turning point in his life and said he now felt a stronger responsibility to stand firm in his faith.

Coinciding with the celebration, Archbishop Rehmat also inaugurated the Week of Catechism and Bible Sunday, observed from May 4 to May 10, 2026. He unveiled a commemorative plaque and cut a ribbon alongside the leadership team of Dar-ul-Kalam, meaning “House of the Word.”

Amir Joseph, Director of Dar-ul-Kalam, told RVA that the initiative seeks to strengthen the faith identity and values of the younger generation by integrating religious formation with education.

Fr. Qaiser Feroz, the priest-in-charge of St Padre Pio Catholic Church, thanked the catechists and teachers for their efforts and congratulated the parents on what he described as a significant occasion for the parish community.

Many participants described the celebration as spiritually uplifting and deeply meaningful for the faithful gathered at the parish.