Pakistan: Quetta Parish Celebrates Feast of St. Eugene and Launches Jubilee Year of St. Francis
St. Eugene’s Parish in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan Province in southwestern Pakistan, celebrated the feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod and inaugurated the parish observance of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi on May 29.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Apostolic Vicar of Quetta. Concelebrants included Fr. Emmanuel Mushtaq, OFM Cap., Fr. Tazeem Saghar, OFM Cap., and other local clergy. Religious sisters and parishioners also took part in the celebration.
The event honored the legacy of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, while marking the beginning of a year of spiritual renewal inspired by the life and teachings of St. Francis.
Welcoming the faithful, Fr. Tazeem Saghar highlighted the significance of the dual celebration and invited the community to deepen its commitment to faith, service, and Christian witness.
As part of the inauguration, parishioners released colorful balloons and white doves, symbolizing peace, hope, and the spread of the Gospel. A Jubilee candle was also lit, representing the light of Christ guiding the community on its journey of faith and mission.
In his homily, Archbishop Shaw reflected on the spiritual legacy of both saints. He encouraged the faithful to embrace St. Eugene’s missionary zeal and St. Francis’ spirit of humility, peace, and care for creation.
The archbishop urged parishioners to put their faith into action through service to the poor and marginalized, fostering harmony within society and promoting respect for one another.
“Let the examples of these saints inspire us to become instruments of peace and agents of God’s love in our communities,” he said.
A special ceremony was held to recognize the contributions of priests and religious sisters serving in the region, with commemorative shields presented in appreciation of their ministry.
To formally launch the Jubilee Year, Archbishop Shaw planted a tree on the parish grounds. The symbolic gesture reflected St. Francis’ love for creation and underscored the Church’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The celebration concluded with a strong message to young people, encouraging them to take an active role in the Church and society as ambassadors of peace, care for creation, and service to those in need.
The parish described the day as a joyful witness to faith, unity, and missionary renewal in the local Church of Quetta.
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