Fr. Mushtaq Piara Laid to Rest in Narowal
Narowal: On 17th August 2025, with hearts weighed down in grief, the Catholic community of Pakistan gathered in Narowal to bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Mushtaq Piara, Assistant Priest of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sialkot, who was tragically called home to the Lord in a road accident on August 16, 2025. His funeral was marked by solemn prayers, profound sorrow, and heartfelt thanksgiving for a life dedicated to Christ and His Church.
The Holy Mass of funeral was presided over by Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore, along with Fr. Basharat Exupear OMI, Delegation Superior for the Pakistani Oblates, and Fr. Akram Javed, Parish Priest of St. John’s Catholic Church, Youhanabad-Lahore. A large number of clergy, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay faithful from across the Archdiocese joined in the farewell liturgy. The liturgical readings were taken from the Book of Wisdom (Chapter 3), St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians (Chapter 4), and the Gospel of John (Chapter 15), reminding the faithful of eternal life, hope in the resurrection, and the commandment of love.
Also Read: Fr. Mushtaq Piara: A Faithful Servant Called Home to the Lord
During the homily, Fr. Asif Sardar reflected deeply on the priestly vocation of Fr. Mushtaq. He reminded the congregation:
“To understand one’s calling and to live it faithfully is a great blessing. A priest is the bridge who unites people with God. Fr. Mushtaq’s life was simple, humble, and full of faith. He served in Kasur, Youhanabad, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Sialkot. His presence, his service, and his pastoral love will always be remembered.”
He further highlighted that Fr. Mushtaq was a priest who trusted completely in God, even in times of trial. “He never showed anxiety. His faith was firm, and he often said: ‘My trust is in the Lord, and whoever trusts in Him will never be weak.’” Fr. Asif also recalled his tireless dedication to the families in his parishes, especially his compassion in moments of sorrow.
Fr. Asif invited the faithful to see in Fr. Mushtaq’s life an example of obedience, fidelity, and service. He stressed that the essence of Christianity is love: “God sent His only Son out of love for the world. Life becomes beautiful when we live in love, do good, and avoid causing hurt. Fr. Mushtaq’s life was a testimony of such love and goodness.”
The burial rites of Fr. Mushtaq Piara were solemnly presided over by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, at the local Christian graveyard, where clergy, religious, and faithful gathered to commend his soul to God in prayerful farewell.
The sudden death of Fr. Mushtaq in the tragic train accident has left a deep void in the Archdiocese of Lahore and beyond. At the time of the incident, he was traveling with Fr. Zafar Tanvir, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s, who sustained injuries but is thankfully out of danger.
Fr. Mushtaq was born on July 1, 1976, in District Narowal and was ordained a priest on April 29, 2006. In his 19 years of priesthood, he gave himself wholeheartedly to pastoral ministry, community building, and strengthening the faith of God’s people.
As he was laid to rest in his hometown of Narowal, prayers were offered for the eternal repose of his soul and for consolation to his grieving family, parishioners, and brother priests. His memory will remain a blessing, and his service will continue to inspire future generations of the Church in Pakistan.
A remarkable part of his ministry was the construction of churches, particularly in Hafizabad, where he was lovingly referred to as the “DPO of the Christian Community” for his leadership and pastoral care. Nearly one hundred small village churches were built under his guidance, a legacy that will long outlive him.
✝ “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
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