Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Karachi (Agenzia Fides) – It is an historic event for the Church in Pakistan: the First Missionary Congress has begun in Karachi, the first in the entire history of the nation. As the event's organizer and Pontifical Mission Societies National Director Fr. Mario Rodriguez, tells Fides, there are 210 delegates in attendance, who are reflecting on the theme of: “Telling Jesus' story in Pakistan,” which is meant to echo the title of the Asian Missionary Congress celebrated in Thailand in 2006.
Among those present in the event being held November 25-29, were Bishops, theologians, priests, religious, laity, teachers, and leaders of ecclesial movements from various dioceses throughout Pakistan: the entire Catholic community intends to reflect on its own missionary nature, and thus place in action the necessary strategies for the future of evangelization in the country. Also participating, as Fr. Rodriguez says, are several Muslims, invited as observers to reinforce healthy relations with the local Islamic community, in an effort to eliminate prejudices and contribute to a constructive dialogue between different religious communities.
The Opening Mass took place in the Cathedral of Karachi and was presided by Archbishop Evarist Pinto, Archbishop of Karachi, along with the Business Affairs Manager of the Apostolic Nunciature of Pakistan, Fr. José Luis Díaz Mariblanca Sánchez.
In the homily, the Archbishop expressed his personal joy and that of the entire diocesan community, in saying: “Every faithful Pakistani is called to communicate the story of Jesus in every time and place: in the family, the workplace, the school.” “Do not hesitate to show that you are Christ's disciples!” Archbishop Pinto said, encouraging those present to be protagonists in the Church's mission in their communities.
After the Mass, the Congress sessions began with a message sent by Pope Benedict XVI, “with the hope that through prayer and dialogue, the participants can find more efficient means of communicating Jesus' story” in the country. He also sent along his Apostolic Blessing to the Congress.
The delegates observed that encounter and the entire missionary work of the Church are meant to increase love, harmony, justice, and communion among all the people of Pakistan.
The Congress will feature workshops, group sessions, prayers, and debates. Fr. Mario Rodriguez, Director of PMS, recalled that, following this national event, each diocese will be able to hold another one on a local level, in order to more efficiently spread missionary awareness. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2008)
