Lahore Archdiocese Opens Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi with Call for Peace and Renewal

The Archdiocese of Lahore in eastern Pakistan inaugurated the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi on May 22 with a celebration at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore.

Archbishop Khalid Rehmat led the opening ceremony by lighting the Jubilee candle on behalf of the archdiocese, marking the beginning of a year dedicated to spiritual renewal inspired by the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi.

Priests, religious sisters, seminarians, brothers, and lay faithful from different parishes joined a prayer procession to the cathedral carrying candles, singing hymns, and offering prayers. As part of the inauguration, organizers released a Jubilee banner, balloons, and pigeons into the sky as a message of peace and hope for communities affected by war and conflict.

Archbishop Khalid Rehmat later presided over a solemn Mass, reflecting on the enduring spirituality of St. Francis and the contribution of Franciscan missionaries in Pakistan. He acknowledged the work of Franciscan and Capuchin missionaries and noted that four Franciscan congregations are actively serving the Church in the country.

The archbishop said the Cross of Christ stood at the center of Franciscan spirituality and invited the faithful to follow the saint’s witness of simplicity, humility, and peace. Referring to the Jubilee theme, “St. Francis: Man of Peace and Brother to All,” he said the saint’s life demonstrated that happiness and inner peace are found not in wealth or possessions but in sharing with others.

Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore, said the Jubilee Year was not simply a commemoration but an invitation to faith, repentance, renewal, and a deeper experience of God’s love. He added that St. Francis teaches believers that greatness lies in surrendering to God’s will rather than seeking power or status.

Fr. Qaisar Feroz, OFM Cap., secretary of the National Commission for Social Communications,  described St. Francis as “a shining star” whose life radiates Christ’s love and humility. He said the Jubilee offers believers an opportunity to renew their relationship with God, humanity, and creation.

The celebration also featured hymns and cultural presentations by the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of Lahore, students of Dominican Sisters’ School, and the Sisters of Jesus and Mary convent. Participants offered prayers for peace in Iran, Israel, and other conflict-affected regions.

The celebration concluded with Archbishop Khalid Rehmat and religious superiors cutting a Jubilee cake, bringing the opening event to a close with a message of unity, faith, and peace.