by Shafique Khokhar

Fr Pius Corbelini inaugurated the church in 1940. The current bishop, who led the anniversary celebrations, explained the role he and his priests play, as well as the religious path the faithful must follow, and the importance of children education. He also talked about spreading the Gospel and helping the local community.

Karachi (AsiaNews) – “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,” Jesus said to Peter. In view of this, “We must carry out faithfully the mission of Jesus Christ," said Mgr Arshad Joseph, bishop of Faisalabad, as he greeted hundreds of faithful gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Parish of St Pius X in Chak Jhumra, Punjab.

For its anniversary, the parish church was decorated with curtains and colourful fabrics (pictured), and the faithful sang special hymns during the solemn liturgy.

Inaugurated on 15 June 1940 by Fr Pius Corbelini, from the Order of the Dominicans and its first parish priest, the church was entrusted after about 25 years by Mgr Benedict Cialeo, bishop of Lyallpur, to the diocesan clergy, who were later replaced by the Fathers of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP).

As he began the religious ceremony, the current parish priest, Fr Abid Tanvir, warmly welcomed the bishop, the sisters, the brothers, the faithful and political leaders.

He explained the importance of the anniversary in the following terms. "This is a day of thanksgiving, renewal, blessing and liberation. It is the day when we remember the graces and blessings that our parish has received over the last 75 years."

In his homily, Mgr Arshad paid tribute to all those who worked for the growth of the community of believers. He also explained the role of parish and priests.

"The parish is a congregation of faithful served by the parish priest under the authority of the bishop. It is the mandate that the good shepherd Jesus Christ entrusted upon us: 'go into the whole world and preach the Gospel."

The prelate went on to explain how the faithful can become members of the Catholic Church through baptism, and thus share in the mission of Jesus the Priest. He also outlined the tasks that fall on bishops and priests.

"The[ir] three major responsibilities are teaching the Catholic doctrine, leading the faithful to holiness, and helping them through their guidance,” he said.

At present, “Our work of spreading the Gospel goes on with great fervour and enthusiasm. We opened a school, a centre for sewing and two hostels."

As he announced the start of a year dedicated to education in the diocese of Faisalabad, he stressed the importance of education for children and recommended parents that they send their children to good schools. "We cannot afford to remain ignorant, generation after generation," he said.

Finally, a group of pupils from St Paul primary school performed a welcome dance. They also offered the prelate several colourful paintings.

• pakistan
• faisalabad
• anniversary
• st
• pius
• x
• parish