Golden Marist Presence in Pakistan
The 50th anniversary of the Marist presence in Pakistan was celebrated on Nov. 12. In 1966, at the request of Bishop Nicolas Hitinga, bishop of the diocese of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the general administration entrusted the Province of Sri Lanka with undertaking the mission in the country. In response to the appeal, Brother Remigius Fernando left his country to begin the mission in Pakistan on Sept. 10, 1966. He arrived in Rawalpindi and awaited the arrival of his companions from Spain and Australia. In December 1966 they were able to form a community in Kohati Gate, Peshawar City.
Br. Remigius Fernando has stayed on in Pakistan since his first arrival. During these 50 years more than forty Marist Brothers from Spain, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka have worked hard to make Jesus Known and loved. The Pakistan Marists are grateful and salute to all the past and present missionary Brothers for their untiring services to the land of the pour.
To recognizes, to thank and to strengthen the relationship and to dream forward, Brothers Emili Turu, the Superior General, Michael De Waas, General Councilor, Mervyn Perera, the Provincial of South Asia, Noel Fonseka, the Vice Provincial and Chinthana, member of the Provincial Council, participated in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations along with many other guests.
The celebration took place on Nov. 10 and 11 in Peshawar, where the Brothers lived and worked for 49 years.
Then the jubilee of the Marist presence was celebrated in Sargodha, with a prayer, recalling the work done and cultural presentations.
On Nov. 12, the culminating moment of the feast was celebrated with a Mass. Brother Emili, representing the Institute, said he was grateful to all who have been part of this mission. He stressed on connecting or strengthening on relationship and encouraged to move forward to the peripheries.
On the 13th and 14th, Br. Emili spent time in a sector meeting, prayer meeting and tea with the Lay Marists, welcome in Sargodha Catholic High School, talk and shaking hands with the students. At the end of the school, Br. Emili was asked to present Golden Jubilee souvenirs to the staff of Sargodha Catholic High school as a gratitude for their hard work in preparing for the golden Jubilee.
Br. Michael gave a two days seminar to the young Brothers which was very helpful to all those who participated.