The Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi gets a new home

Last week, the new Bishop's House was inaugurated and blessed in the presence of Card Joseph Coutts and Archbishop Germano Penemote, apostolic nuncio to Pakistan, as well as other bishops of Pakistan. The venue will serve as a point of reference for the Church’s pastoral and social activities led by Archbishop Arshad.

Rawalpindi (AsiaNews) – The inauguration last week of the new home of the bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi was marked by a ceremony at St Joseph's Cathedral in Lalkurti, led by Card Joseph Coutts and Archbishop Germano Penemote, Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, an important token of hope for Pakistan’s Catholic community.

Archbishop Joseph Arshad and Fr Asif Joh welcomed the faithful and many prominent guests, including Bishop Samson Shukrudin of Hyderabad, Bishop Khalid Rehmat of Quetta, Bishop Indriyas Rehmat of Faisalabad and Bishop Yousaf Sohan of Multan, along with members of the clergy, nuns, catechists, and students.

Musical and stage performances accompanied the celebration. Fr Pascal Paulus opened the event with a speech in which he stressed the spiritual significance of the new Bishop’s House, bound to become a point of reference for the pastoral and social activities of the diocese.

After Mass, the building was blessed. Fr. Sarfraz Simon expressed his thoughts about the journey of the diocese over the years, highlighting the enduring dedication of clergy and laity in shaping the faith of the community.

The ceremony ended with an exchange of gifts and a lunch of thanksgiving and fraternity between clergy and the community of the faithful.

• pakistan
• islamabad-rawalpindi
• diocese
• bishop’s house
• inauguration