The Capuchin community in Pakistan celebrated the Ruby Jubilees of Fr. Abid Habib and Fr. John Joseph, and the Silver Jubilee of Fr. Patrick, honoring their decades of priestly and religious service at St. Francis Friary in Kot Lakhpat, Lahore, on August 22, 2026.
The jubilee celebration was led by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, who in his homily described the milestones as a reflection of the Catholic Church’s enduring history, growth and witness in Pakistan.
Archbishop Rehmat thanked God for the vocations and ministries of the three friars, saying their years of service demonstrate how God continues to work through those called to religious and priestly life.
Archbishop Rehmat praised Fr. Habib for his work in formation, peace and justice, missionary ministry and leadership as superior of the Capuchin Order. He commended Fr. John Joseph for his pastoral ministry and prison apostolate, highlighting compassion and love for others as hallmarks of his service.
Archbishop Rehmat also recognized Fr. Patrick as the first Pakistani missionary to Sri Lanka and praised his contribution to formation and his faithful service to the Capuchin Order and the wider Church.
“The needs of the Church should be our first priority,” Archbishop Rehmat said, commending Fr. Patrick for his patience, responsibility and commitment to the foundations of Franciscan religious life.
The Archbishop concluded by affirming the faithful service of all three friars and recalling the Gospel’s call: “You have been faithful in little; enter into the joy of your Master.”
Speaking during the celebration, Fr. Emmanuel Asi recalled the sacrifices of Belgian Capuchin missionaries who served in Pakistan under difficult conditions and with limited resources. He said the local Church has received many blessings through the service of missionaries and local clergy.
Fr. Asi also remembered senior priests, including Fr. Louis Mascrenhas and Fr. Benjamin, and paid tribute to the contribution of the three jubilarians.
Noting that the celebration falls during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Asi expressed hope that the spirit of St. Francis would continue to grow within the Capuchin community and Catholic families across Pakistan.
Fr. Ijaz Bashir, custos of the Capuchin community, thanked God for the vocation and service of the three friars. He highlighted their contributions to the education and formation of Capuchin brothers and praised their willingness to serve wherever they were needed.
“Wherever they were needed, they offered their services in obedience and with all sincerity of heart,” Fr. Bashir said.
Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and capital of Punjab province, is home to a historic Christian community and remains an important center of Catholic life in the country.
On behalf of the jubilarians, Fr. Patrick expressed gratitude to God for their vocations and thanked Archbishop Rehmat, Fr. Bashir and the Capuchin brothers for organizing and participating in the celebration
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