Pakistan Religious Sisters Renew Mission at Annual Assembly, Archbishop Calls for Deeper Prayer

More than a dozen delegates of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ) of Chambéry from across Pakistan gathered in Lahore from July 26 to August 5 for their annual regional assembly, renewing their commitment to prayer, synodal leadership, and service to the Church.

Held under the theme, "Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ," the assembly brought together sisters serving in Lahore, Multan, Quetta, and other parts of the country for formation sessions, ministry evaluation, strategic planning, and reflection on religious life in today's world.

A highlight of the gathering was a Eucharistic celebration on August 3 presided over by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore, who encouraged the sisters to deepen their prayer life and remain faithful witnesses of the Gospel through their ministries.

"The Church relies on religious communities to carry the light of the Gospel into places of need and vulnerability," Archbishop Rehmat said in his homily at St. Joseph Convent in Lahore. "Your dedicated presence in education, healthcare, and social service demonstrates God's love to those you serve every day."

He urged the sisters to continue nurturing their spiritual lives while accompanying people facing hardship and marginalization across Pakistan.

The assembly included workshops on synodal leadership and religious life in the digital age. Jesuit priest Fr. Robi, spiritual director at the formation house, led sessions on the opportunities and challenges of ministry in the digital era, highlighting the responsible and ethical use of social media.

Delegates also joined an online session with Sr. Cristina Gavazzi, CSJ, a member of the congregation's General Council, who reflected on the theme, "Living the Charism with Creativity in Today's Reality." She encouraged the sisters to respond creatively to emerging pastoral and social needs while remaining rooted in the congregation's founding spirit.

The gathering also provided an opportunity to review the congregation's ministries throughout Pakistan.

Sr. Shakila Bhatti, CSJ, regional coordinator, led the evaluation sessions and emphasized that listening is essential for compassionate leadership, healthy community life, and effective pastoral service.

Following Archbishop Rehmat's visit, Sr. Bhatti thanked him for his pastoral encouragement, describing the Eucharistic celebration as "a moment of grace, unity, and renewal."

The assembly concluded on August 5 with a day of thanksgiving that included five hours of silent Eucharistic adoration and a closing prayer service. In her final address, Sr. Bhatti encouraged the sisters to return to their ministries with renewed zeal, creativity, and fidelity to their vocation.