Msgr. Andrew Francis, ‘spiritual healer’ has died
Multan's emeritus bishop chaired the National Justice and Peace Commission from 2011 to 2015. In the 45 years of priesthood he worked "tirelessly for the poor and the marginalized communities". Respected for promoting inter-religious harmony involving Islamic leaders.
Multan (AsiaNews) - Bishop Andrew Francis, emeritus bishop of Multan in Pakistan, died yesterday at the age of 70. Beloved by Pakistani Catholics - and also esteemed by Muslims and Hindus - he was known as a "spiritual healer ". He was a religious leader, an activist for human rights and he has held numerous positions in the local Catholic Church.
The National Justice and Peace Commission (Ncjp), which he chaired from 2011 to 2015, issued an official statement. The document, signed by Msgr. Joseph Arshad, current president, Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, National Director, and Cecil Shane Chaudhry, Executive Director, reads: "The Commission expresses its sincere condolences to the Catholic Church and to the community for this great loss. At the same time we pray for the soul of the deceased. "
Recently Msgr. Francis celebrated 45-years of priesthood. The ceremony also included several Islamic leaders and his Hindu friends, confirming the good relations he was able to build during the apostolate in the dioceses of Lahore and Multan.
He spent his life working tirelessly for the poor and marginalized communities of Pakistan. He was a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the United States International Commission for the English Language in the Liturgy and the Pakistani Government Minority Commission. He founded the Minor Seminary of St. Joseph and built eight schools in Punjab Province. In his long priesthood he introduced some innovations in the Pakistani Church, such as pilgrimages to the Mariamabad National Maritime Sanctuary; The novena of St. Anthony; Prayer sessions to invoke healing; The public processions on the solemnity of Christ the King; the teaching of catechism to women.
The Ncjp Communiqué recalls that Msgr. Francis "has always contributed from a spiritual and financial point of view to rescue and rehabilitation operations during natural and man-made disasters. It is worth noting his determination to promote inter-religious harmony with a strong involvement of Islamic clergy to build peace within society."
In 1996 the emeritus bishop escaped an attack, but has never bore a grudge against his aggressors. At the same time, he "has been strongly committed to protecting the places of worship of religious minorities. His altruism, generosity and charitable nature are obvious symbols of peace and love, according to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. " "He was a renowned writer, a spiritual leader, a resource for the nation, a legend whose services to mankind are merely the manifestation of Jesus' love. The void created by his death can never be filled, "concludes the statement.
.png)
