Annual Peace Festival
Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad a Diocesan unit hosted a 4th annual children festival arranged organized under National Peace Program Caritas Pakistan on 12th May, 2016 at Arooj-e-Marium Parish Chak No 7/J.B. Panjwar Sargodha Road Faisalabad. This 4th annual children festival began with Holy Mass. Rt. Rev. Doctor Bishop Joseph Arshad chairman Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad was main celebrant of the Holy Mass while; Rev. Father Khalid Rasheed Assi ( Parish Priest Holy Rosary Parish Medina Town Faisalabad, Rev. father Wasem Walter ( National Director Pontifical Mission Society Pakistan and Rev. Father Shafiq Bashir, Diocesan Director Catholic Borad of Education Faisalabd and Sister of Francican congregation Mediana town Faisalabad. There were 150 students ( 80 males & 70 females) from different schools s’ Peace Club established in Faisaabafd Diocese, Multan Diocese and Lahor e Diocese.
While; delivering his sermon during the Holy Mas the main celebrant expressed his views that children are our only hope for peace in the future as well; they can promote peace at different levels by doing and taking part in small activities at their home in the family, in the schools and in their other places of living. Children are best tools of peace as; they forgive one another don think of taking revenge from others. Children can promote peace by respecting each other’s as well; giving due respect to their elders this includes their parents and teachers. This festival arranged for the promoting of peace through this meaning full and beneficial gatherings from different Dioceses is an opportunity to meet one another, to listen and share yours stories of peace promotion and your experiences you have gained through different programs , activities conducted with you in your respective areas by Caritas Pakistan and Diocesan staff. I congratulate all you at this 4th Annual children Festival being conducted in this Diocese and wish you every success above all; my prayers and best wishes are always with you with special reference to the children who are taking part in this festival.
After the Holy Mass opening ceremony of 4th annual children festival was held in front e His Excellency Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Arshad Chairman Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad and Mr. Amjad Gulzar National Executive Director Caritas Pakistan were present to grace the opening ceremony of this festival. Both of the honorable guests of the festival began the ceremony by releasing of pigeons as meaning full symbol of peace promotion. His Lordship announced the 4th annual children festival as soon as; pigeons were released at the hands of both distinguished guests.
This was followed by extending of warm welcome to all the participants of the 4th annual festival who have come from different Dioceses this includes, children, Clergy (Priests & Nuns and heads of different organization by Mr. Farhan Lawrence Diocesan Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad a host Diocesan unit. He was of his views that this gives me great pleasure to be your host on behalf of Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad he further said that I am very great full to all the honorable guest with special reference to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Arshad and Mr. Amjad Gulzar for sparing their valuable time to grace this event.
Later on Mr. Amer Anwar National Coordinator of Peace Building & Social harmony program was invited to share his views regarding the main aim & objectives of the launched by Caritas Pakistan. While; explaining the objective of the program he Said the peace is dire need of the time and Caritas Pakistan being social arm of the Catholic Church promote and propagate this cause.