Sarah John

In conjunction with Earth Day, the diocese launched an initiative to raise awareness on environmental issues. This event brought together Christians and Muslims who have repeated the warning launched by Benedict XVI on the environment in verse. Catholic priest: change hearts for peace and create a better world.

The local Church has joined the initiative "One million children praying the rosary", launched by the Venezuelan Council for the Laity and celebrated yesterday throughout the world. They seek an end to “bombs and destruction". Priest of Faisalabad:” illiteracy, lack of food and discrimination" are "crosses" that they must bear.

Mgr. Rufin Anthony recalls the "missionary work" that has allowed the emergence of "local vocations." The prelate denounces feelings of "jealousy, prejudice and hatred" and confirms the continued growth of religious intolerance. He invites everyone to work “for unity and cooperation".

The Bishop Paul Community Center was built on a plot of land owned by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. It provides free medical care for the poor and Muslim women; making up for some of the country’s many shortcomings.

A Christian scholar says that it is necessary to develop curricula that promote tolerance and human rights in order to fight violence and extremism. As it stands the current school system favours Muslims, providing them with advantages and privileges. School textbooks nurture a “sense of segregation” among minorities.

The diocese has recalled the seven Christian victims, massacred by Islamic fundamentalists in August. Father Yaqoob: they have sacrificed their lives “for their faith in Christ”, which "goes beyond death”. Throughout the country prayers offered for the persecuted and minorities.

The festival dedicated to the Our Lady in one of the oldest Christian town in the country turns 60. Despite the violence of the beginning of August, from all over Pakistan, thousands of pilgrims visit the cave. The story of an Islamic family who bring a cow in thanksgiving for a miracle.

In Faisalabad, 20 students, from elementary to university, celebrate for having successfully passed the entrance exams. Local priest invites young people to “strive for a better future” and promote fundraising for the poor. Thanks expressed to missionaries, precursors in the work of schooling.

Police claim they were involved in the violence, in which eight Christians were burned alive. Survivors accuse the police of inaction. Activist for human rights: the counter-charge motivated by police "revenge", they want to cover the real culprits. An Anglican bishop among the suspects.