Priests of the Archdiocese Gather for a Day of Prayer and Spiritual Reflection
The Archdiocese of Lahore, under the pastoral leadership of His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator, held a Day of Prayer for Priests on December 10, 2025, at the Archbishop’s House, Lahore. The clergy serving across the archdiocese gathered for spiritual renewal, Advent preparation, and fraternal communion.
A Morning of Scriptural Meditation
The day opened with a session led by Fr. Robbie D’Lima, who offered rich meditations from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, guiding the priests into an Advent atmosphere of hope and inner reflection. Through powerful biblical images such as the laying down of arms, the fortified city, the peaceful harmony of predator and prey, and the motherly tenderness of God who gathers His lambs, Fr. Robbie invited the priests to rediscover the profound meaning of waiting during Advent. He spoke of the difficulty yet consolation of waiting, and reflected on God’s promise to lift His people “on eagles’ wings,” renew purpose like a threshing sledge, and bring peace like flowing rivers. His presentation encouraged the clergy to allow the Scriptures to shape their journey toward Christmas.
After the session, the priests entered into a quiet time of personal confession, seeking God’s mercy and preparing their hearts to celebrate the birth of the Savior.
Eucharistic Celebration and Archbishop’s Reflections
The spiritual gathering continued with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, joined by Fr. Maqsood Nazir, OMI, Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General, and all priests of the archdiocese.
In his homily, Archbishop Benny offered a gentle yet profound reflection on the true spirit of Advent. Speaking in a pastoral and fatherly tone, he noted how modern life has given us more comfort, rest, and ease than ever before, yet many still feel spiritually empty. He reminded the priests that Advent calls them to slow down, to pause, and to examine their lives honestly. The Archbishop described this pause as the essential first step toward transformation.
He then reflected on what he called the “journey to the heart,” a journey he described as the most difficult but most necessary for every Christian, especially for priests. It is a journey that demands honesty, interior silence, self-evaluation, and a willingness to face one’s true self before God. This journey, he said, leads gradually into contemplation, a deeper awareness of God’s presence that shapes a person’s character and ministry. From this encounter with the Divine, the Archbishop noted, a priest becomes more humble, more merciful, more grateful, and more committed to living for others. In this way, Advent becomes not just a season but a spiritual pathway preparing the heart for Christ.
Thanksgiving and Fraternal Fellowship
As the Mass concluded, the gathering rejoiced in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the priestly ordination of His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas. A cake-cutting ceremony took place, joined by Fr. Akram Javed and Fr. Faryad Anser, expressing gratitude for the Archbishop’s faithful service.
The clergy then shared a fraternal meal, concluding a day marked by prayer, reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to priestly ministry.
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