Pakistan Archbishop Urges Catholics to Deepen Eucharistic Devotion

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi has called on Catholics in Pakistan to deepen their devotion to the Holy Eucharist and become living witnesses to Christ’s love as the Church prepares to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi this Sunday.

In a special message for the feast, the archbishop reflected on the significance of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, emphasizing that the Eucharist remains the center of Christian life and the source of spiritual strength for believers.

The Archdiocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi covers Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi in the country’s Punjab Province. It is one of the largest Catholic jurisdictions in Pakistan, serving communities spread across the northern part of the country.

“The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life,” Archbishop Arshad said, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He reminded the faithful that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the real presence of Jesus Christ, who offers Himself as spiritual nourishment for humanity.

Reflecting on Christ’s words at the Last Supper, the archbishop said the Eucharist is a profound expression of God’s boundless love and a sacrament that brings a message of sacrifice, unity, and communion.

Quoting St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, he highlighted the transformative power of the Eucharist in the lives of believers. He noted that in a world marked by war, division, poverty, and uncertainty, the Eucharist calls Christians to become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

“Every time we participate in the Holy Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist, we are called to become instruments of love, forgiveness, and mercy for others,” he said.

The archbishop issued a special appeal to young people, encouraging them to draw spiritual strength from the Eucharist and to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ through regular participation in the sacraments.

He also reminded Catholics of St. Paul’s exhortation to approach Holy Communion with reverence and proper spiritual preparation.

Noting that 2026 has been designated the “Year of the Children” in the Archdiocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Archbishop Arshad urged families to foster devotion to the Eucharist among children and young people. He encouraged regular participation in Eucharistic adoration and called on parishes to strengthen catechesis on the meaning and spirituality of the sacrament.

Concluding his message, the archbishop invited the faithful to renew their commitment to serving the poor and needy and to become witnesses of God’s love in society.

“Let us renew our pledge to become living witnesses of Christ and enlighten the world with God’s love through our lives,” he said.