Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - A different Christmas, removed from the city lights, to go out and meet the poor children of the tribal villages...this is that the children of the Holy Childhood of Karachi in southern Pakistan have been doing, under the guidance of Fr. Mario Rodriguez, Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Pakistan.
Fr. Mario tells Fides: "The children left behind the Christmas trees, the lights, the shops of the city...to experience a different Christmas than usual. They celebrated Christmas with others their age in four different villages of the tribe “pakri koli.” The natives of this ethnic group are poor farmers, often working as laborers for landowners. The children brought them smile, a gift, and the announcement of the Birth of Jesus in the world."
The HCA children read the Bible together with the children of the place, offering their experience on the event of the birth of Jesus, who chose to be born in poverty and humility. They then celebrated by sharing a meal with the local children and presenting them the gifts they had brought. All this took place in the four villages, which all accepted the visitors from the city with joy and enthusiasm.
Back home, the children said they had lived a “beautiful day” explaining what they had done, the announcement of Jesus and sharing the true spirit of Christmas with the poor. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21712/2009)
