Karachi (AsiaNews) - Evaristo Pinto, the archbishop of Karachi, has inaugurated the Lenten preparation at the Catechetical Centre in Karachi, in front of the 1,565 faithful gathered in the Cathedral of St. Patrick. He recalled that "Lent is time of spiritual renewal. It allows us, through Lenten prayer and preparation, to deepen our commitment to a way of life rooted in our baptism." He confirmed that this time is marked by fasting, prayer, and charity.

In order to inaugurate the Lenten preparations, the Catechetical Centre has held an encounter with prayers, songs, and two meditations on the theme: "God's favorite Lenten practices."

The first, based on the Old Testament, was prepared by Franciscan Bishop Sebastian Shah, auxiliary bishop of Lahore, and was read by Ansir Ishaq, coordinator of the Bible Commission of Karachi.

The second talk was delivered by Fr. Benjamin Shahzad, rector of the Saint Pius X minor seminary in Karachi, and was focused on the New Testament. He recalled that this "is a special time of prayer, fasting, and renewed spiritual focus. There is no other period in the liturgical year that so completely draws our attention to the things of God."

Those present also watched a brief dramatization written by Fr. Indrias Rehmat, and acted by students of the minor seminary and the school of the Dominican sisters.

Fr. Arthur Charles, director of the Catechetical Centre, recalled that "Holy Mother Church provides this liturgical season for us all, to focus our attention on the Pascal Mystery of our Lord," encouraging us to "draw closer to Him each day." He urged the faithful to read the Sacred Scriptures and remember the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord, in part with the help of activities at the Catechetical Centre.