Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - “Children messengers of peace, hope and love” was the theme chosen for this year’s Holy Childhood Day celebrated by the Church in Pakistan early this month. The celebration was the fruit of a year of mission animation among Catholic school pupils and children in parishes all over the country.
The main event was a Holy Childhood rally at Mariam Catholic School in Karachi organised by national PMS director Fr Mario Rodriguez and Fr Diego Saleh, responsible for Holy Childhood activities a Karachi. Some 1,300 children gathered to celebrate their faith and solidarity with less fortunate children in the world with a Mass followed by songs, games and refreshments.
During the homily Fr. Saleh asked the children to reach out to other children of their age as “missionaries of God’s Word” and “messengers of love and hope”. Special prayer intentions composed by the children included Pope Benedict XVI, peace in the world, support for poor and hungry children. To assist the latter the Holy Childhood brought their own offerings. One special goal was to give concrete help to children affected by the serious October 2005 earthquake in Kashmir. Money collected, food and water supplies, basic medicines and also school material will be distributed in that area through local Caritas branches to children lacking everything. (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2006 righe 26 parole 261)
