Pakistani Archbishop: Catechists' Homes should Become Centers of Faith and Hospitality

A Catholic catechist's home should be a place where faith is first lived before it is taught, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore said as he inaugurated and blessed newly built homes for catechists serving rural communities in northeastern Pakistan.

The archbishop visited St. Paul's Parish in Narowal, a district in Punjab province near the India-Pakistan border, on July 16 to bless the new residences for catechists in the parish's outstations of Budda Pind and Kotli Plat.

Addressing catechists and their families, Archbishop Rehmat emphasized the spiritual significance of their vocation.

"The home of a catechist is a sanctuary where faith is lived before it is taught. By blessing these houses, we pray that they become centers of prayer and hospitality, reflecting the love of Christ to the entire village," he said.

He encouraged catechists to remain steadfast in their mission of evangelization.

"Your mission is rooted in the Gospel. Catechists are called to be witnesses of Christ's presence, keeping the light of faith burning in every home and heart. When we serve the Church with humility, God sustains our efforts and strengthens our communities," the archbishop said.

St. Paul's Parish serves a large Catholic population across Narowal district through several outstations, where catechists play a vital role in leading prayer, catechesis, and pastoral activities in communities that are often far from the parish center.

Fr. Afzal Iqbal, OFM Cap., parish priest of St. Paul's, welcomed the initiative, describing catechists as essential to the Church's rural mission.

"Catechists are the backbone of our rural missions. Providing them with stable residences enables them to focus on their pastoral responsibilities and remain close to the people they serve. This support strengthens our parish and helps our communities grow in faith," he said.

Fr. Philip John, secretary of the Catechist Commission of the Archdiocese of Lahore, said improving the living conditions of catechists strengthens parish life and supports the Church's evangelizing mission.

"Supporting our catechists is essential for the growth of our parishes. By addressing their living conditions, we enable them to carry out their teaching and pastoral work. Our commission remains committed to assisting these leaders as they serve the faith of our people," he said.

Fr. Iqbal added that the archbishop's visit brought encouragement to Catholics living in remote communities.

"The physical presence of our shepherd reminds the faithful that they are not forgotten and renews the spiritual life of our rural communities," he said.

The parish also acknowledged the support of the Archdiocese of Lahore's pastoral team for overseeing the construction project and ensuring the successful completion of the new catechists' homes.