First priest from Pakistan’s Afghan Border Region Ordained for Salesians

Newly ordained Salesian priest Fr. Faraz Darshan, SDB, 29, celebrated his first Thanksgiving Mass on September 21 at the Don Bosco Technical and Youth Center in Lahore. The gathering brought together community members, clergy, and youth following his formal reception at the center.

Earlier, on September 19, Fr. Faraz was ordained to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, with Fr. Noble Lal, SDB, rector of the Don Bosco Center, presenting him to the archbishop to be ordained.

The ordination marks two distinctions for the Church in Pakistan. He is the fourth Pakistani priest ordained for the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), and he achieves a historic milestone as the very first local priest originating from the Chaman border region.

About 300 faithful attended the ordination liturgy, including Fr. Faraz's family and relatives, alongside approximately over a dozen concelebrating priests. His mother passed away a few years ago.

Born on September 6, 1995, Fr. Faraz traces his roots to Chaman, a strategic frontier town along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan. Growing up in a border region marked by geopolitical sensitivities, strict security, and a tiny, isolated Christian presence, his upbringing shaped his resilience and faith.

The emergence of a native priestly vocation from Chaman stands as a symbol of hope and spiritual vitality, proving that even in the most remote frontier communities, the roots of faith continue to flourish and bear fruit for the universal Church.

As a former student of Don Bosco School, Fr. Darshan grew inspired by the spirituality of St. John Bosco and the impactful witness of Salesian priestly life.

During a youth seminar in his teens, a Salesian priest posed the question, "Who are you?" Reflecting on this question led him to discern his religious calling beyond the frontier town. However, his father initially opposed his decision, as he wanted to see Faraz become an army officer.

On the eve of the ordination, friends, family members, and well-wishers gathered for a traditional night of cultural celebration. Filling the air with music, drumbeats, and folk songs, relatives and youth performed traditional dances to express their communal joy.

In his homily, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat emphasized the sacred value of the priesthood, reminding the congregation that priestly ministry is rooted in selfless service and keeping Christ at the center.

He highlighted the importance of priestly presence in the daily life of the community, urging the newly ordained priest to ensure his ministry extends beyond church walls to touch people in their everyday struggles, joys, and hopes.

Fr. Noble Lal expressed his joy at receiving a new brother in mission. He shared key guidelines for priestly life, encouraging Fr. Faraz to remain steadfast in the charisma of St. John Bosco, to stay committed to the pastoral care of young people, and to lead with humility, dedication, and continuous prayer in his daily ministry.

During the liturgy, as Archbishop Rehmat handed over the chalice, a symbol of the priesthood and the mandate to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, the native priest from Balochistan province missed his late mother with tears in his eyes, reflecting on her presence and prayers during this central moment of his ordination.

Fr. Faraz thanked God for guiding him from a remote border town to the priestly ministry. Addressing the congregation, he emphasized that the family serves as the first seminary to the priesthood. He reaffirmed his commitment to follow the spirit of Don Bosco, pledging to dedicate his life to accompanying, empowering, and serving young people through education, faith formation, and spiritual guidance.

Looking ahead to his immediate assignment, Fr. Darshan’s new obedience includes pursuing a Master’s in Education while serving as a pastoral animator and catechist in the Salesian community of Gorizia, Italy.