Kasur (AsiaNews) The Mother Mary Bible Study Group and the Milap Organization organised a special event in the Fr Jerome Hall, in Kasur, to give thanks for the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
Milap director Margaret Piara addressed the group of 35 young people from the study group stressing that the new Pontiffwhich the country as a whole welcomesis not only a leader for the Catholic Church but for the entire world as well.
"We express our best wishes to him and hope he may pursue the inter-faith and ecumenical dialogue that his predecessor started," she said.
She also spoke of the role played by the media, including the electronic media, reminding her audience that it was through the modern media that Pakistanis and Pakistani Christians are better able to know their community's role in the country and the world. For example, the death of John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI show how the media plays such a function.
Ms Piara was followed by Anil Raja, president of the Mother Mary Bible Study Group, who thanked God and the Holy Spirit.
"With their guidance the cardinals were able to elect a new Vicar of Christ in just 24 hours," he said.
"In Pakistan, we are part of the universal church and feel proud that we belong to an international church that goes back to St Peter," he added.
The clergyman who led the three Bible study classes spoke last. He thanked everyone present for their "regular interest in learning Bible teachings" and told them that "we are gathered here to welcome the new Pope who has started his spiritual responsibility for the universal church".
The meeting came to an end with a group prayer dedicated to Benedict XVI.