The Archdiocese of Lahore received with gratitude and joy the news that on Monday, 15 June 2026, the Reception and First Aid Services at the Diocesan Sanctuary of Maria Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church in Fontanelle di Montichiari, Diocese of Brescia, Italy, were formally dedicated to the Servant of God Akash Bashir. The initiative was carried out by the Brescia Section of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta during the celebration of the Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Patron of the Order.
Before the celebration, Mr. Giovanni Santini, Head of the Brescia Section of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta within the Delegation of Lombardy, addressed a formal letter to His Grace Archbishop Khalid Rehmat OFM Cap., Metropolitan Archbishop of Lahore, informing him of the initiative and requesting a message of greeting and blessing to be read during the celebration.
In his letter, Mr. Santini explained that the Reception and First Aid Services would be entrusted in a particular way to the service of young people and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to welcoming pilgrims, assisting the sick and elderly, and serving all those who come to pray at the sanctuary. He shared that the decision to dedicate these services to the Servant of God Akash Bashir arose from the desire to place before young people a living example of Christian witness, service, courage, and self-giving.
The letter recalled the sacrifice of Akash Bashir, a son of the Church of Lahore, who gave his life on 15 March 2015 while preventing a suicide attacker from entering Saint John’s Catholic Church, Youhanabad, Lahore. The Brescia Section expressed that, through his witness, Akash has become a sign of hope and Christian courage that speaks beyond national boundaries and continues to inspire young people called to serve and protect others with generosity and faith.
Mr. Santini further underlined that this dedication was intended as a gesture of spiritual communion with the Christians of Pakistan and as an expression of admiration for the steadfast witness of the Church of Lahore. In requesting a message from Archbishop Khalid Rehmat, he noted that such a word would be received with gratitude, especially by the young volunteers participating in the initiative and would strengthen awareness that Christian service belongs to the one Body of Christ that unites peoples and Churches across the world.
His Grace Archbishop Khalid Rehmat responded warmly to this request and sent a message that was read during the celebration before the blessing and formal dedication of the services. According to the organisers, the message was received with deep appreciation by all present.
Following the celebration, Mr. Giovanni Santini shared with the Archdiocese of Lahore that the event became a beautiful and moving occasion for the Diocese of Brescia and for the Brescia Section of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He also conveyed that His Excellency Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada of Brescia expressed particular appreciation for the message sent by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat and was deeply touched by the dedication made in honour of the Servant of God Akash Bashir.
This initiative stands as a meaningful sign of ecclesial communion and reminds the faithful that the witness of holiness and Christian courage continues to build bridges across nations and cultures. For the Church of Lahore, it is a source of gratitude to see that the witness of the Servant of God Akash Bashir continues to inspire young people and communities beyond Pakistan and encourages service rooted in faith, charity, and love for others.
May the witness of the Servant of God Akash Bashir continue to encourage young people everywhere to become builders of peace, faithful disciples of Christ, and generous servants of humanity.
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