God calls all to discipleship, witnessing gospel, Archbishop Benny
Karachi (Nouman Peter): Holy Childhood Day was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Karachi on 1st February 2024. The Holy Eucharist was offered with great devotion and respect, presided over by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, the shepherd of the Archdiocese.
The principals, teachers and students of Christian schools run under the supervision of the Catholic Board of Education of the Archdiocese of Karachi attended the event in large numbers.
In his homily, Archbishop Benny said, “First of all, I would like to thank Fr. Afzal and his Pontifical Missionaries Society team. I would also like to thank all the principals, teachers and children who have come here to celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.”
He further said, “Today we are all gathered here to celebrate Holy Childhood Day. The feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple or the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple means that today we have come to offer ourselves to God like Jesus.”
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He also added, “What is the importance of Holy Childhood? The importance of Holy Childhood is that God calls everyone to be his disciples, to bear witness to his gospel and this does not mean only adults. Jesus also calls you children who are studying in schools. Jesus tells you also to proclaim the gospel. Jesus also invites you to be his disciples. Jesus also invites you to be missionaries. The Pontifical Missionaries Societies celebrate Holy Childhood Day with you today so that you may know that Jesus also invites you to be missionaries.”
The Gospel of the day says that Jesus was presented in the temple and we see that Simon of Cyrene comes forward and he prophesies that this child, the little child Jesus, will be the light of the world, he will be the light of the Gentiles. And this is also important for us today, that God calls you and me to be the light.”
During the Holy Mass, the readings, psalms, and prayers were read by the school children. The children of St. John’s School, Drug Road, beautifully sang hymns, taking on the responsibility of the choir. A large number of offerings were also made by the schools.
At the end of the Holy Mass, the Diocesan Director of Pontifical Missionary Societies, Archdiocese of Karachi, Fr. Afzal Gulfam, thanked Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Fr. Benjamin Shahzad, the Rector of the Cathedral all the priests & sisters present at the Holy Mass, the Catholic Board of Education Karachi, all the principals & teachers, the children and his team.
Archbishop Benny concluded the Holy Mass with the final prayer and special blessings and dispersed everyone.
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