PAKISTAN From Faisalabad to Lahore, Advent in the Christian community in Pakistan

Monsignor Indrias Rehmat, bishop of Faisalabad, inaugurated the Bethlehem village and the Christmas tree at the La Salle International Institute. Waiting for Christmas is a time of commitment to peace: “We need the Messiah in our lives again.” In Lahore, at the Saddar Jhalar church, an interfaith singing show was held last Sunday, with illustrious guests from the civil and religious world.

Faisalabad/Lahore () – The Catholic Christian community in Pakistan is experiencing the beginning of Advent – the time of waiting for Christmas and at the same time the beginning of the liturgical year – with community initiatives in preparation for December 25. “The season of Advent really brings peace and joy, and the excitement of arriving in the city of Bethlehem. It shows the deep love of God for us,” said Bishop Indrias Rehmat, bishop of Faisalabad, who visited the La Salle international school – known for the quality of its educational offering – to inaugurate the Bethlehem village and the Christmas tree. The Lasallian Brothers invited the bishop to preside over the beginning of the preparation events for Christmas in the Christian community with the purpose of transmitting the joy of sharing.

La Salle School reported that the Christmas tree that was put up last weekend holds the record for the tallest tree in Pakistan. For years, the institute has decorated itself in the month of December to prepare for Christmas. This year the city of Bethlehem, birthplace of the Messiah, was also reproduced. The bishop cut the ribbon to inaugurate the village of Bethlehem and lit the Advent candles. Various figures related to the Christmas tradition were placed in the village, which together with the manger help to recreate the moments narrated in the Gospel, such as images of angels and the Three Wise Men.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were, along with the bishop, priests, men and women religious, teachers, students and people belonging to other communities. Christmas carols and hymns were sung, and the director, Brother Sajid Bashir, accompanied Bishop Rehmat as he blessed the Christmas town and the tree with holy water. Bishop Rehmat said: “I feel privileged to participate in this celebration. Last night I returned from Karachi, after almost a month, and I feel like I have come home. “I can see that preparations for Christmas have already begun here.”

The Advent candles that will accompany the coming weeks “will help grow the spirit of love, hope, joy and peace, because our world needs it,” said the bishop. He pointed out that waiting for Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on a greater commitment to peace. “The war continues between different countries, tensions are strong, life has become very hard and the poor suffer for many reasons – he stated -. We see a deep darkness around us again, that is why we need the Messiah in our lives again.”

An interfaith musical evening, organized by the local peace committee, was held last Sunday at Lahore’s Saddar Jhalar Church on Wali Street, Saddar Cantt, to celebrate the beginning of Advent. The songs were accompanied by a procession and then the cake was cut. The presentation began with a series of songs performed by local Christian choirs with traditional hymns such as O Eat, O Eat Emmanuel and Hark! The Herald Angels Singwhich were followed by songs performed by singers from the Muslim, Hindu and other communities. This unique combination of musical expressions was an example of the shared values ​​of love, peace and hope that transcend religious boundaries.

Illustrious guests from various religious traditions enriched the meeting. Along with Fr Lazar Aslam OFM Cap, other Christian leaders included Pastor Imran, Babu Qaiser, Pastors Patras John, Amjad Hayat, Samuel Ehsan Khokhar, Lazar Ehsan Khokhar and Khurram Yacoob. Representatives of other religions like Mufti Saeed Ashiq Hussain thanked the political, police and religious authorities and appreciated their efforts and hard work in maintaining peace amidst diversity. They also claimed that the Lahore rally has shown unity under the flag of Pakistan. Civil society figures such as Vice President Neem Shahzad Bhatti and Councilor Esther Shahzad were also present.

Speakers at the event highlighted shared human values ​​and the importance of collaboration to address societal challenges. The heartfelt reflections of several religious leaders were a source of inspiration, inviting a collective commitment to build bridges and promote mutual understanding. Special prayers were offered for the peace and well-being of all communities, and all noted the program’s focus on unity. This extraordinary event has once again demonstrated the lasting power of music, dialogue and shared values ​​to promote harmony, and left participants inspired and hopeful about building a more inclusive and peaceful society.