Lahore pays tribute to Akash Bashir 10 years after his martyrdom
On 15 March 2015, the 21-year-old died to stop a suicide bomber at St John's Church, saving over 800 worshippers. In Youhanabad, thousands of people gathered to remember him. Fr Khalid Rashid Asi told AsiaNews that the state must learn from his example, and put an end to terrorism and extremism. His cause of beatification is progressing.
Lahore (AsiaNews) – On 15 March 2015, Akash Bashir, 21, stopped a suicide bomber who was trying to enter St John's Catholic Church in Lahore. Although the terrorist blew himself up, Akash managed to save more than 800 faithful gathered at the price of his own life.
In Youhanabad (Lahore), thousands of people gathered for Mass and pay tribute to his memory, offering support and solidarity to his family on the tenth anniversary of his death.
Akash Bashir’s legacy continues to inspire and the memory of Pakistan's first servant of God remains etched in the hearts of many people.
Akash Bashir was born on 22 June 1994 and studied at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Lahore. He was an exemplary student, deeply moved to serve others; turning to volunteering, he joined the group that provide security at St John’s Catholic Church.
Ten years ago, Saturday, Akash bravely stood in the way of the attacker together with his colleagues, showing great courage and exceptional promptness.
The Vatican has approved the opening of the cause of beatification for his martyrdom and he was recognised as a servant of God in 31 January 2022.
“Akash Bashir's life is a reflection of faith for other religions,” said Fr Lazar Aslam, a Franciscan Capuchin. “People admire and appreciate his sacrifice. He lived and died for the people of God, giving his life to protect the lives of other believers who came to pray in the church.”
For Father Lazar, Akash represents a great example for all Christian denominations and for people of every other faith.
His sacrifice echoes the words of the Book of Revelation, which speaks of those killed for their faith: “When He (the lamb) open the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the witness they bore to the word of God.”
“Akash Bashir sacrificed his life against extremism and terrorism therefore he has earned great respect in the hearts of all Christians and even other people admire him,” Fr Khalid Rashi Asi said, speaking to AsiaNews.
“Unfortunately, our state has failed to end terrorism and extremism in the country. Quetta still grapples with the presence of extremists. We urge the government to take concrete actions against this menace, transcending mere verbal commitments.”
With the diocesan phase concluded, the cause of beatification of the young Pakistani is moving forward in Rome at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
“I am really thankful to Vatican for giving respect to Akash and I humbly request that it declare him a saint because he is really a saint for us for what he did for all of us,” Fr Rashid Asi said.
“Our wounds are still fresh; we cannot forget the burning of our churches, Bibles and other sacred things in churches,” the clergyman lamented.
“We Catholics should use the ash of our churches and Bibles that were burnt during the terrorist attacks on Ash Wednesday, because we have lots of ash in our churches, and we should use it on our face during Lent season and record our protest against extremism and terrorism.”
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21/04/2020 15:12
