Lahore, Pakistan — Major Superiors of religious congregations in Pakistan gathered for the Annual General Meeting of the Major Superiors’ Leadership Conference in Pakistan (MSLCP), held from 3–4 February 2026 at the Renewal Centre, Lahore.The meeting brought together leaders of men’s and women’s religious institutes for prayerful reflection and dialogue on issues vital to consecrated life in the country.
According to Rev. Fr. Patrick Samuel, OFM Cap, Executive Secretary of the MSLCP, the meeting focused on the theme “Community Life”, chosen in response to the growing challenges faced by religious communities in today’s rapidly changing social and cultural context. In a spirit of synodality and shared responsibility, the participants reflected together on present-day realities affecting communal living and explored practical ways to strengthen fraternal life within their congregations.
The Major Superiors reaffirmed that religious life remains a great gift to the Church in Pakistan. Through education, pastoral ministry, healthcare, social services, and faith formation, religious men and women continue to serve the People of God generously, often in demanding and fragile circumstances. Their faithful witness, the meeting noted, remains a source of hope and encouragement for the local Church.
During the deliberations, participants acknowledged that community life today is significantly influenced by various internal and external factors. Among the key challenges identified were growing individualism within communities, the generational gap among members, digital disruption and its impact on relationships, a weakening sense of belonging, unresolved conflicts affecting fraternity and mission, and the need for more compassionate and participatory leadership.
Alongside these concerns, the Major Superiors strongly emphasized the centrality of a deep and consistent prayer life as the foundation of healthy community living. They reaffirmed that without personal and communal prayer, fraternity becomes fragile and mission risks losing its evangelical vitality. Prayer was recognized as the wellspring of unity, reconciliation, discernment, and perseverance in religious life.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to foster authentic community life rooted in prayer, mutual responsibility, and missionary zeal, as religious communities continue their service to the Church and society in Pakistan.
Share it:
