Christian and Muslim leaders, clergy, religious, educators and young people gathered in Lahore on August 12 for an interfaith program highlighting dialogue, peace, mutual respect and national unity.
Organized by the Catholic Commission for Interfaith Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Lahore, the gathering at St. Anthony’s Hall also commemorated the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis of Assisi and Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.
The event brought together Muslim scholars and leaders, pastors from various Christian denominations, Capuchin friars, diocesan priests, religious sisters, teachers, Capuchin youth groups and other guests. It was presided over by Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore.
The program opened with the lighting of a candle by the guests, symbolizing peace, hope and unity. Fr. Basharat Siraj read passages from the Bible, while Qari Khalid Mahmood recited verses from the Qur’an.
Fr. Asif Sardar called on participants to make peace and fraternity a part of their daily lives.
“We pray that the peace candle we have lit today may always continue to shine in our hearts and guide our words and actions on the path of peace, love, and brotherhood,” he said.
Referring to the prayer traditionally associated with St. Francis of Assisi, he urged participants to become instruments of peace, love, unity, hope and light.
Maulana Asim Makhdoom, chairman of the Kul Masalak Ulma Board of Pakistan, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
“Dialogue is better than war,” he said, noting that while war may achieve temporary victories, dialogue can win people’s hearts and build lasting trust.
He also referred to the historic encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil of Egypt as an enduring example of interreligious dialogue. The meeting, he said, demonstrated that people of different faiths can listen to one another and engage with mutual respect despite their differences.
Fr. Shahzad Khokhar said the gathering was organized in connection with Minorities Day, the Jubilee of St. Francis and Pakistan’s Independence Day. He described it as a practical expression of peace, equality, interreligious harmony and national unity.
Dr. Majeed Abel encouraged participants, particularly young people, to study the life and teachings of St. Francis, highlighting his simplicity, humility, service to humanity, commitment to peace and love for others.
Asghar Atif stressed that lasting solutions to conflicts cannot be achieved through violence, but require dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful relations.
Maulvi Hussain Gul Wari highlighted the contribution of Christians to the creation and development of Pakistan, while Ahmed Qasmi recalled the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasizing equal rights, dignity and respect for all citizens.
The Capuchin Youth of Moman Pura, Lahore Cantonment, under the guidance of Fr. Qaisar Feroz, OFM Cap., presented a peace-themed prayer song depicting important events from the life of St. Francis. Children from St. Joseph’s Parish also performed a national song.
The gathering concluded with guests jointly cutting a cake to commemorate the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis and Minorities Day.
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