Strengthening Priestly Identity, Brotherhood, and Apostolic Mission in the Church of Pakistan
Murree – June 23–27, 2025
The National Commission for Clergy and Seminaries (NCCS) successfully conducted its annual Ongoing Formation Program for Young Clergy at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish House, Murree, drawing 54 priests from dioceses and religious communities across Pakistan.
This week-long initiative was designed to offer spiritual renewal, theological enrichment, and pastoral accompaniment to priests in the early years of their ministry. The serene setting of Murree provided the perfect backdrop for reflection, fraternity, and revitalization.
The program featured eight formative talks delivered by bishops, experienced formators and pastoral experts, addressing timely and challenging topics such as:
- Theological foundations of celibacy
- Missionary spirituality and evangelization
- AI, digital culture, and its implications for pastoral ministry
- Stress, burnout, and self-care
- Discipleship and priestly identity
In addition to the sessions, priests participated in daily Eucharist, Holy Hours, communal prayer, and opportunities for spiritual direction and fellowship—fostering a deeper bond in priestly fraternity and a shared commitment to their apostolic mission.
“It was a time of grace, clarity, and renewal. We leave with a deeper sense of who we are as priests, and what we are called to be for the Church,” said Fr. Patrick Samuel OFM Cap, Executive Secretary of NCCS.
The NCCS continues its mission to support the holistic growth of priests, ensuring that they remain strong, faithful, and joyful witnesses of Christ in a rapidly changing world.
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