Archbishop Benny Ordains Three New Capuchin Priests in Lahore
Lahore: On 27th February 2025 – In a joyous celebration, three deacons, Dn. Sajawal Saleem OFM Cap, Dn. Tazeem Sagar OFM Cap, and Dn. Robinson Ashiq OFM Cap, were ordained as priests by His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lahore.
The ordination ceremony was marked by readings from the Holy Scriptures, including Isaiah 61:1-4, St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2:4-13, and the Gospel from St. Luke 4. The sacred ritual of the laying on of hands was performed by Archbishop Travas, conferring upon the three deacons the sacrament of Holy Orders. However, Fr. Ejaz Bashir OFM Cap (Custos of Mariam Siddeeqa General Custody, Pakistan), Fr. Pascal Paulus OP (Prior Vice Provincial of Ibn e Mariam Province of Pakistan), Fr. Asif Sardar (Vicar General of Archdiocese of Lahore), clergy and a large number of faithful also witnessed the sacred Holy Mass.
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Homily by the Archbishop
During his homily, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas said that we are delighted that our brother has come for his ordination as a priest. The Gospel reading you chose today is excellent, stating that God has anointed me. The question you should ask yourself today is, ‘Why has God anointed me?’ A Protestant theologian, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, once said, ‘When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.’
There are three things to remember: First, you have been anointed to die to yourself. Christ said to deny yourself, which means to empty yourself. We must empty ourselves of anger, hatred, and all evil deeds.
Second, we must die for our community. Remember, we must die for our community and do something for its growth.
Third, we are called to die for our people. Remember Shahbaz Bhatti, who raised his voice for Asia Bibi. Before his death, he said in a BBC interview, ‘I know the meaning of the cross, and I am not afraid to die for Asia Bibi.’ Let us pray for our brothers that God may be with them.
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Expressions of Gratitude and Blessings
On behalf of his fellow newly ordained priests, Fr. Robinson Ashiq OFM Cap delivered heartfelt thanksgiving remarks. He expressed his deepest gratitude to God, his parents, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, and all the formators, clergy, and individuals who had supported them on their journey to priesthood.
Fr. Ejaz Bashir OFM Cap, Custos of Mariam Siddeeqa General Custody, Pakistan, also shared his thanksgiving sentiments, praising God, Archbishop Travas, and everyone who contributed to the occasion’s success. He extended special appreciation to the families of the newly ordained priests, who had selflessly and courageously dedicated their sons to the service of the Church. Offering words of wisdom, Fr. Ejaz Bashir encouraged the new priests to embody obedience and prepare for sacrifices that would benefit the community.
Click here to watch highlights on YouTube
Credits:
Video footage: Catholic TV Pakistan
Images: Fr. Henry Paul OFM Cap
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