St. John Baptist De La Salle Parish in Multan, under the Diocese of Multan in southern Pakistan, inaugurated its Golden Jubilee year on May 17, marking 50 years since the parish was established in 1976.
The parish is the only Catholic church in Pakistan named after St. John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
Known locally for its emphasis on education, the parish has developed a strong academic tradition over five decades. Parish leaders said the community has produced 19 doctors, two nursing Ph.D. graduates, along with engineers, lawyers, teachers, priests, religious brothers, and women religious serving in different institutions across Pakistan.
The parish traces its beginnings to 1976 under its founding parish priest, Fr. Gregory Dorothy.
The jubilee year was opened under the leadership of parish priest Fr. Iftikhar Moon. The celebration began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Pascal Paulus and concelebrated by nine priests. Religious brothers and sisters also attended, along with more than 1,000 lay faithful.
Members of the De La Salle Brothers joined the celebration as special guests.
As part of the program, organizers released pigeons and balloons, while parish representatives lit a jubilee candle marking the beginning of the anniversary year.
Guests received Ajrak shawls, a traditional cultural symbol associated with southern Pakistan and neighboring Sindh region. The parish also honored 10 individuals for contributions to the growth and development of the community.
Fr. Pascal Paulus said the jubilee offered an opportunity to recognize the parish’s history and pastoral mission.
Brother Sajid Bashir, FSC, said the De La Salle Brothers were honored to participate in the celebration and highlighted the parish’s longstanding contribution to education and faith formation.
Former parish priest Fr. Yaqoob Farooq said the anniversary recognized generations of clergy and families who helped build the parish community.
Fr. Iftikhar Moon said the jubilee year would continue with spiritual and community activities leading to the parish’s main Golden Jubilee celebration later this year.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
