Punjab: church restored with widows' “two coins” and an NGO

The Heal Foundation Pakistan financed the month-long renovation work at St Mary's Church in Malkhanwala. Local groups and individuals who had previously received support and aid from the Catholic NGO were also involved. Fr Rauf: the widows' offering has ‘spiritual value’ and is ‘an example for the whole community’.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Days of celebration for Catholics who are celebrating the completion of renovation work on the flooring and maintenance of the Catholic church of Santa Maria in the village of Mogian, in Malkhanwala, in the province of Punjab. The project was completed thanks to the work of the Heal Foundation Pakistan, with the help of the local community and various activist groups.

This church operates under the guidance of St Andrew's Parish in Malkhanwala and serves a local Catholic community that has long awaited structural improvements to its place of worship. Maintenance work began on 23 January and was completed in record time within a month.

The mission was launched with the aim of strengthening the church spiritually, socially and structurally. Heal Foundation believes that sustainable community development begins with shared responsibility. Therefore, instead of completing the project independently, the foundation encouraged the participation of the local population so that the community could feel involved in the work and united in the restoration of the house of God.

The total cost of the renovation was 443,223 Pakistani rupees (approximately £3,000). Of this amount, Heal Foundation Pakistan contributed the lion's share, allocating funds of 353,623 rupees (around £2,500). The widows, who have been benefiting from the foundation's monthly food support programme for four years, contributed 68,600 rupees (approximately €210), with residents and parishioners contributing an additional 21,000 rupees (€64).

This collective effort reflects the biblical teaching of Luke 21:1-4, when Jesus shows appreciation for the poor widow who gives two small coins, even though it is a great sacrifice because of her poverty. In the same spirit, the widows of the Heal Foundation, despite their limited resources, contributed generously to the renovation of the church. Currently, the foundation supports 80 widows from various towns, villages and colonies, and their contribution demonstrates deep faith, gratitude and commitment to the church.

The renovation was carried out with the moral support and encouragement of Fr. Tahir Rauf, parish priest of St. Andrew's Church in Malkhanwala. The project was inaugurated by the widows, parishioners and local Catholic leadership, making the event a real celebration for the whole community. In his speech, the priest expressed his appreciation for the organisation that promoted and supported the work, and for the widows and residents who joined together in a true collective effort.

This renovation, he continued, is not only about the flooring, but also ‘the renewal of faith and unity among people,’ thanks in part to the ‘sacrificial contribution’ of the widows, whose offering has ‘spiritual value and sets an example for the entire community.’ Finally, the parish priest encouraged the faithful to remain attached to the church and to continue to support initiatives that strengthen faith and brotherhood.

This is the third church renovation initiative completed by the Heal Foundation Pakistan, an organisation committed to supporting disadvantaged churches, dioceses and Christian communities.

Previously, it had supported the renovation of the 71/GB Khanuwana Kukkaran Church in Faisalabad in 2023 and built a hall on the premises of the 265 Bari Naag Church in Dijkot. These projects reflect the foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting marginalised churches and Christian communities.

Among the challenges identified were limited pastoral activity, the inactivity of youth and church groups, the lack of Sunday catechism programmes and the insufficient involvement of the poorest areas. The renovation project has become not only a construction project, but also a motivation for renewed community involvement. It is a project that shows how the union of leadership and community in the name of faith and vision can foster transformation and change - for the better - wherever possible.

• Pakistan
• Christians
• church
• restoration
• religious freedom
• Heal Foundation
• works