The Catholics: Lahore Focus

With deep sorrow, we inform you of the earthly departure of Fr. Yousaf Amanat from the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese today. May he find solace in the company of saints in heaven.

🕊️ In Memoriam: Rev. Fr. Fiaz Rafiq OFM Cap

In a heartfelt requiem Mass, we gathered to honor the life of our beloved Fr. Fiaz Rafiq. His sudden departure on this 25th of February, on his way to celebrate Sunday Mass, left our community in deep sorrow. Fr. Fiaz, a dedicated servant of God and professor at St. Francis Xavier Seminary, embodied wisdom, humility, and perseverance in his commitment to Christ's teachings.

Join us in prayer for Fr. Fiaz's soul and his grieving family. Our thoughts also extend to our Capuchin brothers and the entire Capuchin community in Pakistan. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find strength, comfort, and hope in his inspiring legacy. 🙏

A message from His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore.

In Remembrance of Rev. Fr. Fiaz Rafiq OFM Cap.: A Beacon of Humility and Devotion

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With a heavy heart, I reach out to you in this time of sorrow, as we collectively mourn the untimely departure of our beloved Rev. Fr. Fiaz Rafiq OFM Cap. In this moment of profound grief, I want to extend my deepest condolences and offer words of comfort and solace, drawing upon the eternal wellspring of faith and hope.

Fr. Fiaz, a dedicated servant of God and a beloved member of our Capuchin community, was not just a priest; he was a son, a brother, and a beloved friend. His passing leaves an indescribable void in our hearts, and we find ourselves grappling with the pain of his absence.

In moments like these, we turn to the Gospel, where Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd, reassures us in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." The peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, is our anchor in the storm of sorrow.

To the Capuchin community, I want to express my deepest sympathies. Fr. Fiaz was not only a brother in faith but also a spiritual father and guide. In his teachings and actions, he exemplified the virtues of our Catholic faith. As we grieve his loss, let us find strength in the words of Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Lean on one another, for the bonds of brotherhood within our religious family are a testament to the love that Christ has planted in our hearts.

To the parents and all brothers and sisters of Fr. Fiaz, I offer my paternal embrace. Your son was a beacon of light in our community, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts. In these moments of darkness, let us look to Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." The promise of resurrection assures us that, though we weep now, joy will dawn in the eternal morning of God's presence.

As your Bishop and paternal figure, I encourage you to turn to prayer, to find solace in the sacraments, and to support one another in this difficult time. Let the flame of faith burn bright in our hearts, knowing that Fr. Fiaz now rests in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

May the peace and consolation of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

In Christ's love,

+Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM
Archbishop of Lahore

With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of Rev. Father Fiaz Rafiq OFM Cap. May his soul find eternal rest in peace.

"توبہ کرو اور انجیل پر ایمان لاؤ"۔
آپ سب کو راکھ کا بدھ اور روزوں کے ایام بہت بہت مبارک ہوں۔
خداوند آپ کو اور آپ سب کے خاندانوں کو اپنے فضل اور رحم میں رکھے۔ آمین

Congratulations, Prayers and Blessings!

Spiritual Joy Blossoms at Annual Clergy Retreat Under Archbishop’s Blessing

Archdiocese of Lahore - In the warm embrace of His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore, the Diocesan Fraternity Committee recently organized a sacred gathering, the Annual Retreat, from February 6 to February 10, 2024. Led by the insightful guidance of Rev. Fr. Joseph Shahzad, the retreat centered on the theme “The Joy of Priesthood.” Through heartfelt tales from the Bible and Fr. Joseph’s personal journey, priests immersed themselves in understanding the profound joy inherent in their sacred calling.

The retreat reached its pinnacle on Saturday, February 10, 2024, concluding with the sacrament of confessions and a Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw. In his tender homily, he emphasized the significance of unity, love, and harmony among the clergy, encouraging priests to carry the beacon of God's love into their interactions with others.

Expressing gratitude for the priests’ dedication, His Grace acknowledged their commitment to manifesting God's love and grace in their daily lives. Rev. Fr. Bernard Emmanuel, President of the Diocesan Fraternity Committee, extended heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the retreat’s success. Their collective efforts transformed the retreat into a spiritually nourishing and joyful experience.

The Annual Retreat stands as a testament to the clergy's commitment within the Archdiocese of Lahore, fostering a stronger spiritual bond and rejuvenating their mission with newfound zeal and joy.

📚 January 25, 2024: First Semester Exams at St. Francis Xavier Seminary, Youhannabad Lahore! 🏫 The adventure continues, and today, our halls are buzzing with activity as all three classes take on Dearest Fr. J.J. Edward's exams. A special thanks to the dedicated vigilance of Fr. Imran Benjiman and Fr. Akash Yousaf.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your best wishes and prayers for our students. Your support means a lot to us! 🙏 Let's keep the positive energy flowing as we navigate through this exam season together. 📖

Divine Mercy House Blessing: A Milestone for Senior Priests in Lahore Archdiocese

In a momentous event, His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore, presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration on January 10, 2024, to bless the newly inaugurated Divine Mercy House. This newly inaugurated residence stands as a haven for senior priests within the Archdiocese of Lahore.

During the solemn occasion, Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for bestowing this blessing upon the clergy of the Archdiocese. In his homily, Archbishop Shaw spoke about the importance of providing a comfortable and supportive living space for senior priests, recognizing their lifelong dedication to serving the Church. He emphasized the need for such initiatives to ensure the well-being of the clergy who have contributed significantly to the spiritual growth of the Archdiocese.

A poignant moment unfolded as Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi took the stage to share the journey of the housing project, recounting its inception under Archbishop Armando and its progression under the guidance of Archbishop Lawrence Saldana. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi expressed deep gratitude to 'Aid to the Church in Need' for their generous support and commitment to the project. He thanked Archbishop Shaw, and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani for their pivotal roles in making the Divine Mercy House a reality.

The Divine Mercy House now stands as a testament to the unity and generosity within the Archdiocese of Lahore. It represents a commitment to the care and support of senior priests, ensuring that they have a nurturing environment to spend their golden years in service to the Church.

اپ سب کو نیا سال 2024 بہت بہت مبارک ہو.
خداوند اپ کو اور اپ کے گھرانوں کو برکت فضل اور رحم عطا فرمائے امین

Empowering Tomorrow: World's Children Day celebrations in Lahore.

Christmas Message of Gratitude and Vision for 2024. Message by His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore.

🌟 "Heralds of Peace": Archdiocese of Lahore's Inspiring Day of Prayer for Clergy

The Priests' Conference Committee recently organized a day of prayer, focusing on priests as messengers of peace. Rev. Fr. Joseph Shahzad led a compelling session, culminating in a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw. His Grace encouraged priests to be channels of peace and God's love. A day of spiritual renewal and unity for the clergy! 🙏

On December 8th, at St. Francis Xavier Seminary, we joyously celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a spirit of reverence and prayer, we gathered to partake in the Mass celebration during the solemnity of this sacred occasion. Let us continue to reflect on and cherish the divine grace that enveloped and sanctified this momentous event. 🙏✨

**Sacred Silence: Seminarians Devote Themselves to Prayer During Holy Hour**

In a profound moment of devotion, seminarians immerse themselves in prayer, embracing the sacred silence. During the Holy Hour, they seek divine guidance on their spiritual journey. 🙏

Dear Bishop G.
Warmest congratulations on your 32nd Ordination Anniversary! May the Lord's blessings continue to be abundantly present in your sacred ministry, providing you with wisdom, strength, and grace. May He grant you the energy to carry out His work with the same zeal and passion that have characterized your thirty-two years of service.
With gratitude and prayers,
The Catholics: Lahore Focus