Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pakistan needs "respect for freedom of religion and of conscience, which is the hallmark of justice and peace": says Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, in a message sent to the local Church on the occasion of the inauguration of the "Year of the Mission" in Pakistan", which is celebrated from 1 October 2011to 30 September 2012.
Saying he is happy "to share the renewed missionary enthusiasm to preach the Gospel and sow the seed of God’s Word in the fertile soil of many longing hearts", the Archbishop notes that "as a small minority in a predominantly Muslim society, the Church in Pakistan lives and moves within a framework which calls for sensitivity and great love for our Muslim brothers and sisters". "Admist trials and tribulations, your perseverance in faith, hope and charity is admirable", says the text, which was read to the assembly of Bishops, priests, religious and laity gathered in Karachi to launch the initiative of the Year of the Mission.
Mgr. Savio Hon Tai-Fai cites the XXV anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace held in Assisi on 27 October 1986, pointing out that "peace, as an earnest desire of everybody, presents itself as something fragile in many societies". To defend it, "two things are of supreme importance: the inner imperative of the moral conscience, which enjoins us to respect, protect and promote human life. It is imperative that we overcome selfishness, greed and the spirit of revenge. The second is the conviction that peace goes beyond human efforts. Thus, its source and realization is to be sought in that reality beyond all of us".
The Message continues: "As Christians, we are convinced of the truth that Christ is our peace. Thus, we proclaim Christ and preach His Gospel, because by His life and death He has taught us how to love, serve and make peace among individuals and peoples".
Focusing on the Pakistani context, the Archbishop notes, "Christian love urges us to dialogue and to promote positive and constructive relations with individuals and communities of other religions. It is uplifting to hear that tremendous effort has been made in Pakistan to witness to the fact that Christians and Muslims can work and walk together in peace, "although urgent betterment is yet to be desired" in this field.
The Message, hopes for fruitful work to the Pontifical Mission Societies, which celebrates 60 years of its presence in Pakistan, and concludes ensuring closeness, with prayer, between the universal Church and the Church of Pakistan and launches an appeal to the faithful in Pakistan, with words spoken by Jesus to the apostles: "Do not be afraid". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 01/10/2011)
