Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan Empowers Youth and Laity through Scripture and Mission
Ayubia – July 13–18, 2025
The Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan (CBCP) successfully hosted the Bible and Mission Study Summer Camp 2025 from July 13 to 18 at the National Catholic Youth Hostel, Ayubia. Under the unifying theme “Mission and Pilgrims of Hope”, the program brought together 51 participants from all five dioceses of Pakistan, including the Archdioceses and Dioceses of Karachi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
The participants represented a broad demographic: students of Biblical Sciences, youth from schools and universities, teachers, religious sisters, priests, and lay faithful, including housewives and catechists—a true reflection of the Church’s universal call to mission.
Faith, Formation, and Fellowship in the Hills
The camp opened with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Waqas Gabriel, O.P., who set the spiritual tone with a homily rooted in the camp’s central theme: the missionary call of every Christian as a pilgrim of hope. The program’s objectives were introduced by Mr. Tariq Tufail, Camp Coordinator, who welcomed participants and speakers against the serene backdrop of Ayubia’s natural beauty.
To promote team spirit and active participation, campers were grouped into four symbolic teams:
- Hundred Thousand Friends of the Bible
- Bible & Mission
- Missionaries of the Bible
- Pilgrims of Hope
Each team embraced daily responsibilities, reinforcing collaboration and leadership in faith-based activities.
Scripture-Based Missionary Formation
The five-day program featured a diverse and rich curriculum, led by renowned biblical scholars and clergy from across the country:
- Fr. Joseph Shahzad (Lahore) delivered two cornerstone sessions:
“Jesus: The Supreme Model of a Missionary” and “Pilgrims of Hope”, emphasizing Christ as the center of mission and hope in today’s world. - Mr. Tariq Tufail (Kasur) offered practical insights in his sessions on “World Mission Sunday 2023” and “God’s Word and Culture”, integrating Scripture with the realities of modern life.
- Fr. Fabian Paul (Sargodha) and Fr. Waqas Gabriel, O.P. (Faisalabad) presented the missionary themes of World Mission Sunday 2024 and 2025, respectively, challenging participants to become agents of transformation in their communities.
- Mrs. Rahat Farnaz (Rawalpindi) explored “God’s Word in the Church”, emphasizing the centrality of Scripture in the life of faith.
- Ms. Marina Meshail (Hyderabad) offered an accessible presentation on “Dei Verbum”, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on Divine Revelation, deepening understanding of the Church’s biblical vision.
Each session was followed by discussion, reflection, and prayer, fostering scriptural literacy, theological depth, and missionary zeal among all present.
Worship, Witness, and Celebration
A special Eucharistic celebration on July 16, presided over by Fr. Joseph Shahzad, included a missionary offering to support the publication and distribution of the Holy Bible—affirming CBCP’s commitment to making Scripture more accessible.
The certificate distribution ceremony was held on July 18. Rev. Fr. Asif John (Rawalpindi) was honored as the Chief Guest and received a traditional hat and shawl, along with CBCP publications: Iman Mein Nashonuma, Yet I Will Not Forget You, and Newman’s Influence on Dei Verbum. Certificates were awarded by Fr. Asif John, Fr. Joseph Shahzad, and Sr. Clara Dewan, RJM.
In his closing address, Fr. Joseph Shahzad expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, sponsors, and to Bishop Indrias Rehmat, Chairperson of CBCP, for his continued support of biblical ministry in Pakistan. The program concluded with a group photograph and blessings for ongoing missionary engagement.
Continuing the Mission
The Bible and Mission Study Camp 2025 succeeded in equipping participants with the knowledge, faith, and tools necessary to be missionary disciples and pilgrims of hope. It was a meaningful step forward in CBCP’s mission to promote the Word of God and the spirit of evangelization across Pakistan.
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