Okara, August 26, 2025 – St. James Parish, Okara, became a vibrant center of biblical reflection and spiritual renewal as it hosted a One Day Bible Seminar on the theme of “Moses.” The event was organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Yaqoob Yousaf, Diocesan Director of the Catholic Bible Commission Faisalabad, in collaboration with the Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan (CBCP).
Opening and Welcome
The seminar began with the enthronement of the Holy Bible led by His Excellency Bishop Indrias Rehmat, Chairperson of CBCP. The solemn act underscored the centrality of Scripture in the life of the Church.
Rev. Fr. Rashid Siddique, Regional Coordinator of CBC (Sahiwal), welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He introduced the objectives of the seminar, emphasizing the need for deeper biblical formation in the Christian life.
Resource Person and Theme
The main resource person, Rev. Fr. Joseph Shahzad, Executive Secretary of CBCP, delivered a powerful and engaging presentation on the life and mission of Moses. Drawing from Scripture and tradition, he highlighted:
- Moses’ humble beginnings and miraculous birth
- His leadership in liberating the Israelites from slavery in Egypt
- His role as prophet and lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments
- His perseverance and unwavering faith in God amidst trials
Fr. Shahzad presented Moses as a model of obedience, faith, and dedication to God’s mission, inviting participants to embody these virtues in their own Christian journey.
CBCP Vision and Formation Programs
Mr. Tariq Tufail shared the vision, training, and formation programs of the CBCP, encouraging participants to join initiatives such as Studies in Biblical Sciences (SBS) and Kalam Ke Lakh Dost (KKLD). These programs, he noted, are designed to strengthen biblical literacy and promote missionary discipleship in the Church.
Episcopal Encouragement
In his pastoral address, Bishop Indrias Rehmat praised the CBCP’s ongoing efforts to bring the Word of God closer to the faithful. He encouraged participants to embrace programs like SBS and KKLD, affirming that a deeper knowledge of Scripture is essential for building vibrant communities of faith.
Collaboration and Gratitude
The seminar was made possible through the collaboration of Rev. Fr. Shafiq Bashir, Parish Priest of St. James Parish, who supported the initiative wholeheartedly.
At the conclusion, Rev. Fr. Yaqoob Yousaf expressed his gratitude to Bishop Indrias Rehmat, Fr. Joseph Shahzad, parish leadership, and the 127 participants whose active involvement reflected their commitment to growing in faith through the study of the Bible.
A Step Toward a Biblical Culture
This seminar marked an important step in promoting a biblical culture in the Diocese of Faisalabad, affirming the Church’s mission to form disciples rooted in the Word of God and dedicated to witnessing Christ in society.
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