Pakistan Children Called to Become “Little Apostles” at Holy Childhood Gathering

Catholic children from schools across the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi gathered September 11 at St. Mary’s Academy for Girls in Lalazar, Rawalpindi, a city near Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, for the diocese’s annual Holy Childhood Program.

Held under the theme “Children Helping Children,” the gathering brought together children, teachers, priests, religious sisters and representatives of Catholic educational institutions for prayer, fellowship and missionary formation.

The program was organized by the Holy Childhood Ministry of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in collaboration with Fr. Farooq Ghafoor, diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and his core committee.

The celebration included Holy Mass, Gospel-based presentations, talks, dramas, tableaux, games, music and a gift-sharing activity. Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, who leads the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, presided over the Mass, with priests from the Islamabad-Rawalpindi circle concelebrating.

In his homily, Archbishop Arshad emphasized the important role children can play in the missionary life of the Church. He told them they are never too young to pray, serve, share and witness to their faith.

He encouraged the children to become “little apostles” and “little missionaries” in their families, schools and communities.

Children can participate in the Church’s mission through prayer, good example, kindness, sharing and service, Archbishop Arshad said. He encouraged them to pray for children who suffer, help those in need and share what they have with others.

He highlighted the missionary vision of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood: “Children praying for children, children evangelizing children, children helping children worldwide.”

The archbishop also urged the children to become peacemakers and positive examples among their friends and to bring Christ’s love to others through their daily lives.

The program’s message was expressed through a gift-sharing activity in which children exchanged bags and stationery. Organizers said the activity offered a practical expression of solidarity and reminded the children that even small acts of generosity can contribute to the mission of the universal Church.

The gathering also included talks by Sir Snawer Gill, executive secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Bible (DBE), and Sir Faryad Francis, executive secretary of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission (DCC), who emphasized Gospel values and the importance of children helping other children.

Other presentations addressed unity, responsible use of social media, sharing and care for others.

Archbishop Arshad also spoke about the role of Catholic schools, emphasizing discipline and the importance of English-language education. He encouraged catechism teachers to share his recent pastoral letter on the Year of Children and urged schools to promote diocesan pastoral activities.

The event brought together Catholic schools and communities from across the diocese, reflecting the missionary character of the Holy Childhood movement and its emphasis on children participating actively in the Church’s mission.

At the conclusion, Fr. Farooq Ghafoor thanked the priests, religious sisters, teachers, students, school authorities, organizers and volunteers. A cake-cutting, group photograph and lunch concluded the annual gathering.