Fr. Cyprian High School in Khipro Parish, serving children in a rural area of Sindh province in southern Pakistan, marked 25 years of educational and community service on Sept 28 with a Thanksgiving Mass attended by about 500 people, including 300 students.
Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad presided over the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Francis Nagar, Khipro, where students, educators, religious leaders and parishioners gathered for the celebration.
The bishop was welcomed with traditional hospitality, including the presentation of cultural shawls to visiting clergy. Local cultural items decorated the altar, while female students presented thematic tableaux depicting the school's history and educational mission.
In his homily, Bishop Shukardin emphasized the importance of Catholic education in helping young people develop moral character, a spirit of service and a sense of responsibility toward their communities.
He encouraged students and educators to approach their work with humility, faith and service, highlighting education as a means of promoting peace, unity and hope.
The bishop also urged families to prioritize their children's education, emphasizing its importance in strengthening families and creating opportunities for future generations.
Fr. Cyprian High School was established 25 years ago to provide education to children in Khipro and surrounding rural communities. Its development involved Franciscan friars, Mill Hill missionaries, local priests and the Presentation Sisters.
The school's early years also depended on pioneer lay teachers and catechists, whose contribution to its educational and religious foundation was recognized during the gathering.
Over the years, the school's influence has extended beyond the classroom. Its alumni now work in healthcare, engineering, education, business and public administration. Some return to mentor current students or support parish initiatives.
Their experiences illustrate how access to education can open professional opportunities for young people from rural communities and enable them to contribute to wider society.
The gathering also marked a transition in the pastoral leadership of Khipro Parish. The community thanked Fr. Rashid Waseem, OFM, outgoing parish priest, for his pastoral service and educational leadership and welcomed Fr. Shahrukh Nathaniel, OFM, as the new parish priest.
Other clergy concelebrating the Mass included Fr. Pervez, OFM; Fr. Mughal, OFM; Fr. Prem; Fr. Mevo Mathew; Fr. William; and Brother Walford.
As the school looks ahead, Bishop Shukardin's message placed its educational mission within a broader responsibility: helping children grow not only through academic learning but also in faith, character and service to their communities.
The celebration concluded with prayers for the students, faculty, benefactors and the continuing educational ministry of Khipro Parish.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
