Catholics in Pakistan
Archdiocese of Lahore

Accept one another in the society like St. Francis of Assisi-Abp. Sebastian Shaw

Lahore (January 17, 2020). Closing Ceremony of 800 Years of Dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil took place at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore in the evening of January 17, 2020. The distinguish guests of this ceremony were His Grace Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis – Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan, His Grace Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore Diocese, the Chairman of the National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (Catholic Bishops’ Conference Pakistan), Rev. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap the Executive Secretary National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (Catholic Bishops’ Conference Pakistan) His Excellency Ijaz Alam Augustine, Provincial Minster for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Punjab and Minister for Interreligious Dialogue Punjab. The Muslim and Hindus religious leaders also participated in this ceremony.



Rev. Fr. Nicolas Hakim OFM Cap welcomed all the guests and highlighted important events of the past one years of the 800 years of celebration of Dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil and its impact.

Also Read: All religions in Pakistan should work together for peace in the region, Abp Sebastian Shaw

The students from different schools participated in this ceremony. The school students presented performance on the peace prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and on the national song “Is percham k saye talay eik hain – We are all one”. The climax of this ceremony was a special play presented by the students of the Capuchin House Lahore on the encounter of St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil. Their acting and dialogue delivery was excellent as the audience appreciated very much the play of the Capuchin House Lahore’s students.

His Excellency Ijaz Alam Augustine, Provincial Minster for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Punjab and Minister for Interreligious Dialogue Punjab also appreciated the meaningful closing ceremony. He stated that the government has been promoting tolerance and harmony in the society. He further stated that the Government has been developing interfaith peace and harmony policy in the view of promoting the spirit of co-existence in the society.

Also Read: Accept the positive values of every religion rather being negative, Archbishop Shaw

His Grace Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, the Chairman of the National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (Catholic Bishops’ Conference Pakistan) said that there is greater need to accept one another in the society like St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil for a peaceful co-existence.

His Grace Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan appreciated the work of the commission for the promotion of peace and harmony in the society. He appreciated the talent of all the students for their meaningful performances. He highlighted the meeting of St. Francis of Assisi with Sultan in the atmosphere fear and danger but that fear turned into dialogue that led to peace and friendship. He further stated that we can learn how to promote peace and co-existence from St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan. He assured his support for the promotion of peace, harmony, tolerance and acceptance in the society. He conveyed the greetings of Pope Francis.

The Muslim and Hindus religious leaders also pledged to support the cause of humanity for a prosperous and harmonious society in Pakistan while keeping in mind the peace initiative of St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil.

A good number of people from different walks of like participated in this Closing Ceremony of 800 Years of Dialogue between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Kamil.


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