Lent: catechists in Karachi urged to be attentive to the needs of the poor

“For it is in giving that we receive” was the theme of a meeting organised by the archdiocese for catechism teachers, with a couple as an example of how to serve the marginalised.

Karachi (AsiaNews) – The Archdiocese of Karachi began Lent on Saturday with a message for catechism teachers working for the Karachi Catholic School Board of Education.

“For it is in giving that we receive” was chosen as the inspiration for the meeting attended by 50 people, so that they may be motivated to open the eyes of children to the needs of the poor.

Kashif Anthony, coordinator of the National Commission for Justice and Peace, called on catechists to do the same for those who need their support to lift their lives.

“These days of Lent and fast are very important for us all to surrender and give ourselves into the hands of Jesus so we may be blessed and filled with God’s blessings,” he said.

“We must detach ourselves, be charitable and have a humble contrite heart and for this we must ponder on the suffering of Jesus on the Cross who gave all in order to save us,” he said quoting the homily of Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi on Ash Wednesday.

Anthony's wife Mariyam, a teacher at St Patrick's High School and a well-known activist for social and human rights in Karachi, echoed his words, stressing the importance of each teacher in building the country’s future and shaping the lives of students.

To motivate teachers to introduce their students to the beauty of giving, she highlighted three activities.

The first, “Don't close your eyes” is meant to encourage students to look at and respond to the needs of others; the second, the “world’s tallest tree” shows how even a small seed can become a giant plant; and finally, the “half-eaten apple” helps to reflect on what is our priority in giving.

“Hundreds of people can speak about worldly things but very few can raise the soul towards God,” said Ms Shazia Yousuf, a teacher at St Luke's High School, one of the catechists who attended the meeting.

• pakistan
• karachi
• lent
• catholic church
• catechism
• outreach
• children
• poor
• marginalised