Easter: "Message of love for the entire nation"
Pakistani bishops told AsiaNews: "Despite violence and discrimination, we celebrated an Easter of resurrection and reconciliation. Prejudice and hatred can be transformed into new life for all through love."
Karachi (AsiaNews) Easter celebrated by Pakistani Catholics was "a sign of love and reconciliation for the whole nation" said Mgr Evarist Pinto, archbishop of Karachi. He said it was "edifying" to see "the courage of Catholics who gathered together to proclaim the death and Resurrection of the Lord, despite the aggression they are submitted to".
Speaking to AsiaNews, Mgr Pinto described as a "joy" his service to "such a community who so loyally and faithfully followed the solemn Liturgy of the Holy Week and Easter".
"There were fears and anxiety was expressed in my community whether we would be able to hold the celebrations without disturbance. But the local government kept its word and provided adequate security, allowing all to go well," continued the bishop.
"One priest of my archdiocese told me what a joy it was to be able to celebrate such a joyful mass like the Easter celebration without being afraid: I want to add that the strong faith and devotion of the simple people really touched my heart.
"The situation in the city is very tense. How can anyone forget the bombs in Nishtar Park on 11 April that killed and injured members of the Muslim community? Thank God, the situation is back to normal, which is necessary for peaceful coexistence."
The Easter message of Mgr Lawrence John Saldanha, president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference and Archbishop of Lahore, was of much the same tone. He said: "Easter brings a message of love, reconciliation and tolerance towards all human beings. All are duty bound to work towards building a culture based on these core values in today's world, where there is despair, hatred and violence. Religious and sectarian extremism should be discouraged by all peaceful means at our disposal. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a sign of new life and hope shown by God to humanity.
"The feast we just celebrated has a specific meaning: that inequality and prejudices, death and destruction can be transformed into new life. I call upon the Christian community and all compatriots offer special prayers for peace and reconciliation in Pakistan."
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