Karachi (AsiaNews) – On Thursday, more than 2,000 children from 35 schools gathered at the cathedral in Karachi to celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday and the Society of the Holy Childhood, along with Archbishop Benny Travas.
Held under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission”, the celebration reiterated the Church’s commitment to missionary work and encouraged the children to become active witnesses of the Gospel within their families, schools, and communities.
The motto of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), One Family, One Mission, underscored the importance of unity and shared responsibility in spreading Christ’s message of love and peace.
In his homily, Archbishop Travas expressed his joy at seeing the Church invest in the spiritual education of children, helping them understand that missionary work is not limited to priests, religious sisters, or those serving in distant lands.
Every Christian, he explained, is called to participate in Christ’s mission. Citing Jesus’s words, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15), the prelate noted that children today are also called to share Christ’s message through their words, actions, and daily lives.
Archbishop Travas outlined three essential elements of missionary discipleship: developing a personal relationship with Jesus, believing and trusting in Christ, and walking with Him throughout one’s life.
He also urged the children to free their hearts from anger, hatred, offensive language, vengeance, and enmity, explaining that such attitudes prevent people from building a true friendship with Jesus.
The celebration also provided a practical expression of the missionary spirit through a collection of school supplies for disadvantaged children attending small schools in the shantytowns of Karachi.
Students from Catholic schools across the archdiocese gathered school stationery, including pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, and notebooks, to support children whose families struggle to meet their educational needs.
Anna, a ninth-grade student at St. Patrick’s School, said that the collection reflects the children’s desire to share what they have with those who have less.
“The initiative encouraged students to move beyond words and prayers by putting Christian values of compassion, solidarity and generosity into practice,” she said. “It also helped them recognise that even small personal contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of other children.”
Father Shahid Boota, diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, thanked the participating students, teachers, and principals for their enthusiasm, cooperation, and generous support in making the celebration meaningful.
He thanked the schools for helping children understand the importance of missionary work and for encouraging them to share their resources with disadvantaged communities.
