Catholic dioceses, parishes, religious communities and healthcare institutions across Pakistan marked the country’s 79th Independence Day on August 14 with celebrations highlighting national unity, youth empowerment, interfaith dialogue and public service.
In the Diocese of Hyderabad, Bishop Samson Shukardin led an Independence Day celebration with about 50 students from different faith backgrounds at Dr. Gerhard and Helga School in Kotri, Sindh province. The students sang the national anthem, performed cultural dances and presented patriotic tableaus.
Bishop Shukardin encouraged the students to pursue higher education and consider professional careers in healthcare, law, the armed forces, politics and education. He also recognized the contributions of Christian medical and educational institutions to Pakistan since Partition and acknowledged the work of teachers before leading a cake-cutting ceremony.
In Lahore, Punjab province, St. Joseph’s Church in Cantt hosted a special Mass celebrated by Fr. Qaiser Feroz, OFM Cap., and Fr. William Basharat, OFM Cap. About 60 faithful, including young people, attended the celebration, which included a flag-raising ceremony, cake cutting, national songs performed by children and cultural presentations by parishioners.
Addressing the youth, Fr. Qaiser Feroz encouraged them to embrace patriotism, respect diversity and work diligently for the country’s progress and unity.
More than a dozen sisters and novices at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry Formation House held a prayer service focusing on social justice, reconciliation and national development. The sisters sang national songs and waved Pakistani flags in the convent compound.
Regional Coordinator Sr. Shakila Bhatti said true freedom is rooted in unity, moral integrity and selfless service to society.
In Faisalabad, Punjab province, the Catholic National Commission for Inter-Religious and Ecumenical Dialogue organized an interfaith Mushaira, or poetic symposium, and musical evening. Organized by Fr. Khalid Rashid Asi, the gathering brought together about 90 Christian and Muslim participants.
Fr. Khalid Rashid Asi reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to building bridges among Pakistan’s diverse religious communities, saying national strength depends on mutual respect, dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Fifteen poets recited patriotic verses, while 10 vocalists performed national songs in a celebration aimed at promoting interfaith harmony.
In Quetta, Balochistan province, Fr. Samson Shaker, Fr. Imtiaz Faryad and Fr. Samran Boota celebrated Mass with about 100 faithful at Holy Rosary Cathedral Cantt.
Fr. Samson Shaker called on Christians to contribute to national development, prayed for peace and law and order, and commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in national defense. The celebration concluded with clergy and faithful waving national flags and singing patriotic songs.
In Sialkot, Punjab province, administrators and medical staff at Bethania Hospital, joined by more than 50 Christian employees, including doctors and nurses, held an Independence Day ceremony. The staff reaffirmed their commitment to providing healthcare to all citizens regardless of religious background.
In the Diocese of Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Catholic faithful gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Amer Yaqoob and Fr. Asad Bernard, OP. The celebration included prayers for peace, prosperity and communal harmony, followed by a ceremonial cake cutting and the release of pigeons as a symbol of peace.
The nationwide observances highlighted the Pakistani Catholic Church’s continued commitment to national unity, interfaith harmony, youth development and service to the countr
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