Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Multan (Fides Service) - On 1 February with prayers, songs and dancing Catholic children in Multan diocese in northern Pakistan celebrated local Missionary Childhood Day. Children in Catholic schools and parishes lived the day with joy and in the awareness of their mission in the Church’s work of evangelisation in Pakistan.
At the parish of the Most Holy Redeemer in Multan, with the collaboration of many catechists, teachers and mission animators, the National Pontifical Mission Societies Office organised a meeting “Children: heralds of hope, peace and reconciliation”.
The Day began with Mass animated with singing and dancing of hundreds of children with their teachers. The meeting continued with moments of festivity and the presentation of theatre pieces, musical performances and art displays by the children. Through different forms of art the little people presented the message of Jesus, a message of peace love and harmony. The theatre piece “Children helping Children” helped the children to realise their important task as little missionaries of Jesus to help children in need .
Appreciation and joy were expressed by Bishop Andrew Francis, Bishop of Multan, present at the meeting. The Bishop congratulated the organisers, parents, catechists and teachers and encouraged the boys and girls. The day ended with a candlelight process and prayers and a hymn for peace.
On Missionary Childhood Day Bishop Francis also went to Razabad parish. In Razabad village not far from Multan there are 300 Catholic families with strong missionary zeal. The Bishop, welcomed with flowers offered by children, celebrated Mass and thanked the parish priest and catechists for their work. He also left the parish a donation to contribute towards the building of a new church.
(PA) (Fides Service 10/2/2003 lines 31 words 335)
