Archbishop Benny Mario Travas Confers Sacrament of Confirmation at Historic Marian Event
Lahore – May 24–25, 2025
With profound joy and spiritual fervor, St. Luke’s Parish, Shahdara, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Annual Ziarat-e-Muqaddasa Mariam (Holy Pilgrimage to Our Lady) — a deeply cherished Marian devotion that began in 1975 and has flourished for fifty years as a beacon of faith and unity.
The two-day celebration, held on May 24–25, 2025, drew large numbers of clergy, religious, and faithful from across the Archdiocese of Lahore and beyond.
Day One: A Journey of Hope with Mary
The opening day was marked by a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Pascal Paulus OP, who also delivered a stirring homily on the theme:
“Muqaddasa Mariam ke Sath Umeed ke Safar Par” (Journeying in Hope with Our Lady).
Rev. Fr. Irfan Jerome OP, Parish Priest of St. Luke’s, along with the parish community, welcomed priests from various cities who came to join in this milestone event, making it a truly grace-filled and historic gathering.
Day Two: Confirmation and Celebration with Archbishop Benny Mario Travas
On the second day, His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, was given a heartfelt welcome by the parish faithful. To commemorate the Jubilee, His Grace lit the Jubilee Candle, symbolizing the enduring light of Mary’s intercession in the life of the Church.
A Rosary made of balloons was released into the sky, and white doves were set free, visually proclaiming a message of peace, purity, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Archbishop Travas then presided over the solemn Holy Mass and delivered an inspirational homily focused on the life-giving role of Mary in our journey of faith. A highlight of the liturgy was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 200 candidates, sealing them with the Holy Spirit and strengthening their commitment as mature members of the Church.
Following the Mass, the parish community celebrated by cutting the Jubilee cake and presenting a commemorative shield of appreciation to Archbishop Travas for his pastoral leadership and presence.
Fr. Irfan Jerome OP extended sincere gratitude to His Grace, the concelebrating clergy, religious sisters, benefactors, and all the lay faithful who contributed to making this Jubilee a moment of spiritual renewal and communal joy.
This historic celebration reaffirms the vibrant Marian devotion and sacramental life within the Archdiocese of Lahore—rooted in tradition, flourishing in faith, and guided by the light of Mary, Mother of the Church.
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