October 8, 2025 Brian Gill

Mission Congress 2025 Unites the Faithful in Missionary Spirit

The Mission Congress 2025 was solemnly held on 4th October 2025 under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Asif John, Vicar General of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi/ National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), Pakistan. The grand event brought together clergy, religious and lay faithful from across the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Circle, united in a common purpose to strengthen their missionary commitment and witness to the Gospel.

The Chief Guest of the day was His Excellency Archbishop Germano Penemote, Apostolic Nuncio in Pakistan, joined by His Excellency Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi. Their presence added great spiritual value and encouragement to the participants. The Congress was also attended by numerous priests, religious men and women and faithful from different parishes, reflecting the vibrant and diverse life of the Church.

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As part of the event, several religious congregations set up stalls and exhibits that showcased their unique charisms, missionary efforts, and apostolic outreach both in Pakistan and abroad. These displays offered valuable insight into how each congregation contributes to the universal mission of the Church. Following the Holy Mass, Archbishop Penemote and Archbishop Arshad visited the stalls, interacted warmly with participants, and expressed appreciation for the tireless missionary dedication of religious communities within the diocese.

The Mission Congress 2025 highlighted the Church’s universal call to mission, urging all baptized Christians to actively participate in spreading the message of Christ through faith, compassion, and courage. Deeply inspired by the spirit of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the gathering celebrated the unity and diversity that enrich the life of the Church. It served as a powerful reminder that every Christian, clergy, religious, or layperson is called to be a missionary disciple, bringing the light of Christ to families, communities, and society at large.

Through this event, the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi renewed its missionary zeal, encouraging the faithful to live their faith more deeply and share it more joyfully in today’s world.