Islamabad Parish Takes 120 Catholics to Historic Christian sites in Northern Pakistan

More than 120 Catholic parishioners and lay leaders from St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Iqbal Town, Islamabad, visited historic Christian churches and institutions in the Murree Hills of northern Pakistan on September 20, seeking to reconnect with the region’s missionary heritage.

The pastoral exposure visit was led by parish priest Fr. Azam Sadeeq, OFM Cap., and brought together representatives from various parish ministries, including the Parish Council, altar servers, Rosary Group, lectors, catechists, choir, Event Management Team, Security Ministry and Legion of Mary.

During the daylong visit, Fr. Azam and assistant priest Fr. Susheel Abdul, OFM Cap., shared the history and significance of the churches and educational institutions visited by the delegation. Institutional leaders also welcomed the group and provided insights into the heritage of the sites.

The Murree Hills, located about 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, have long been associated with Christian missionary activity and education in northern Pakistan.

One of the sites visited was Our Lady of Sorrows Church, established in 1917 in the heart of Murree, a historic hill station. Fr. Azam highlighted the church’s more than century-long role as a place of Catholic worship and spiritual refuge, describing it as a sign of the enduring presence of the Catholic Church in the region.

The delegation also visited Holy Trinity Church, established in 1857. Fr. Azam explained that the church was built shortly after the establishment of Murree as a hill station and has stood as a witness to nearly 170 years of Christian presence and heritage in the area.

The group also visited two historic educational institutions run by religious sisters.

At the Convent of Jesus and Mary, established in 1876, school principal Sr. Farzana welcomed the delegation and explained the history of the institution. Founded by the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, the school pioneered the education and moral formation of girls and continues its educational mission today.

At Presentation Convent High School, established in 1917, Fr. Susheel highlighted the contribution of the Presentation Sisters to the education and formation of generations of young women through academic instruction, character formation and community service.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Fr. Azam described the churches and educational institutions as “living monuments of faith.”

“These historic buildings are not merely stone and bricks, but living testaments to the unwavering faith, vision and sacrifices of early missionaries who dedicated their lives to serving humanity,” he said.

He added that visiting the historic sites reminded Catholics of the foundations on which the Church’s identity and mission in Pakistan have developed.

For Fr. Azam, understanding this history is essential to strengthening Catholic lay ministry today. He said the exposure visit was intended to help parishioners appreciate their roots and recognize with gratitude the sacrifices of the early missionaries, while inspiring today’s lay leaders to serve their parish and wider society with renewed faith and commitment.

Fr. Susheel also emphasized the long-term impact of the missionaries who worked in the region. He noted that the pioneers recognized the transformative power of faith and education and established institutions under challenging circumstances that continue to benefit succeeding generations.

The visit combined historical learning with spiritual renewal, encouraging the lay leaders of St. John Paul II Catholic Church to carry forward the missionary spirit through their pastoral service and outreach in Islamabad and beyond.