Sialkot, April 2026 — On the occasion of Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a vibrant and spiritually enriching Vocation Prayer Camp was organized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Clarence Hayat OFM Cap and Rev. Fr. Sajawal Saleem OFM Cap.
he camp was formally inaugurated by His Grace Khalid Rehmat OFM Cap, Archbishop of Lahore, in the presence of a large gathering of priests, religious men and women, youth, and faithful from various parishes. The Archbishop was accorded a warm and traditional welcome with rose petals and joyful celebration before inaugurating the camp.
Participation of Religious Congregations
A wide range of male and female religious congregations actively participated, setting up vocation and mission stalls to present their charism, spirituality, and apostolic works:
- Capuchin Friars Minor (OFM Cap)
- Franciscan Friars
- Dominican Fathers
- Diocesan Clergy
- Brothers of Charity
- Sisters of Jesus and Mary
- Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM)
- FTL Sisters
- Daughters of St. Paul
- Sisters of the Cross
- Apostolic Carmel Sisters
- Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry
- Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Mary
- Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena
- Dominican Sisters (School Apostolate)
- FMC-K Sisters
- Sisters of Charity (St. Jeanne Antide)
- Dominican Sisters of Malta
- Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus
- Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary (Targhar)
- Presentation Sisters
In addition, parish groups such as the Daughters of Mary, Daughters of Zion, Parish Youth Group, Society of Disciples, and various family and missionary apostolates contributed to the event. In total, twenty-five stalls were set up, creating a dynamic environment for vocational awareness and interaction.
Vocation Awareness and Missionary Witness
The Archbishop visited each stall, engaging with religious communities and appreciating their dedicated service in education, healthcare, and social ministry. Young people actively interacted with priests and religious, asking questions about consecrated life and priesthood, making the camp a meaningful platform for discernment.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The day reached its spiritual climax with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Naqash Azam, Rev. Fr. Mehboob Everist OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Clarence Hayat OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Sajawal Saleem OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Gibran Mughal OFM Cap , along with other clergy.
In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on Christ the Good Shepherd, inviting the faithful to listen attentively to the voice of the Lord and remain united with the Church. He emphasized the importance of vocations in strengthening the life and mission of the Church and encouraged the youth to respond generously to God’s call. Recalling the missionary heritage of Sialkot, he urged all to become a missionary Church rooted in faith, courage, and service.
Conclusion and Thanksgiving
At the conclusion, Rev. Fr. Clarence Hayat OFM Cap, Parish Priest, expressed sincere gratitude to the Archbishop, all participating religious congregations, and the parish community for their wholehearted involvement. The event concluded in a spirit of joy and renewed commitment to promote vocations and to build strong Christian families for the future of the Church.
The Vocation Prayer Camp stood as a powerful witness of faith, unity, and missionary zeal, inspiring many young hearts to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
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