Young Catholics are not merely the future of the Church but its “living present,” Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad told participants at a diocesan youth convention in Murree, urging them to put their faith into action and take an active role in Church and community life.
The Youth Convention 2026, organized by the Diocesan Youth Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Faisalabad, was held August 25–28 in Murree, a hill town in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The four-day gathering brought together 70 young Catholics, 40 boys and 30 girls representing parishes across the diocese.
Held under the banner “Faith in Action” and the theme “Faithful Hearts, Purposeful Lives, Empowering Youth for the Future,” the convention focused on faith formation, leadership, education and career guidance, and service to the parish and wider community.
Bishop Rehmat, chairman of the Diocesan Youth Commission, led the gathering with Fr. Nadeem John Shakir, director of the commission, and Aneel Mushtaq, deputy director. Fr. Zeeshan Frederick, OP, and Br. Zafar Iqbal, FSC, were also part of the organizing team.
“Our young people are not merely the future of the Church; they are its living present,” Bishop Rehmat said. He encouraged young Catholics to ground their lives in faith and purposeful action so that they can contribute to stronger and more compassionate communities.
The program combined daily Mass, prayer and meditation, formation sessions, recreation and an excursion in the mountain town. Sessions were led by Church leaders, religious sisters, educators and youth organizers.
Br. Zafar Iqbal, FSC, spoke about Christian leadership and the active participation of young people in parish life. Fr. Nadeem John Shakir challenged participants to remain firm in their faith amid contemporary pressures and to apply Gospel values in their daily lives.
“Christian youth are called to be courageous leaders who stand firm in their faith amidst modern challenges,” Fr. Shakir said, emphasizing service, truth, love and the building of resilient communities.
Aneel Mushtaq addressed community development, positive social behavior, mutual encouragement and bridge-building based on Christian values.
Fr. Zeeshan Frederick, OP, offered practical guidance on integrating faith into daily life, while Adeel Fraz, coordinator of the Education Commission of Faisalabad, presented educational and career opportunities available to Christians in Pakistan.
Teachers Persaikla and Malika spoke about the role of education in youth development. Sr. Ginea of the Medical Mission Sisters led practical sessions on prayer yoga and stress management.
The organizers sought to address different dimensions of young people’s lives, including personal development, education, family relationships and participation in the Church. Participants received certificates of appreciation at the conclusion of the program.
The convention ended with a final Mass and blessing by Bishop Rehmat before the participants returned to their respective parishes across the Diocese of Faisalabad
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