Lahore, September 1, 2025 – The Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO), in collaboration with the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), Caritas Pakistan Lahore (CPL), Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore, St. John’s Parish Youhanabad, and St. John’s Boys High School and College, organized a special celebration of the Season of Creation 2025, following the Vatican’s global theme: “Peace with Creation.”
The Season of Creation, observed annually from September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), is an initiative of the Holy See to invite Christians worldwide to prayer, reflection, and action in caring for our common home.
Opening Procession and Holy Mass
The celebration began with a peaceful walk by schoolchildren, holding placards with messages reminding the community of their Christian duty to protect the environment for future generations.
This was followed by the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar (Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lahore and Director of PMS), together with Rev. Fr. Akram Javed (Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish, Youhanabad) and Rev. Fr. Imtaiz Nishan (Assistant Parish Priest).
The Gospel reflection was drawn from Isaiah 32:14-18, read by Fr. Imtaiz Nishan. Fr. Akram Javed, in his homily, shared an inspiring message on the theme, stressing that this season is not only a time of prayer but also of concrete action to restore peace and harmony with creation.
Reflections and Messages
- Mr. Kamal, Coordinator of St. John’s College, recalled that Pope Francis instituted the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on May 15, 2015, as part of his encyclical Laudato Si’.
- Mr. Naeem Naz, Operational Head of CPL, connected the 2025 floods in Pakistan to climate change, urging participants to practice water conservation, reduce plastic use, plant trees, and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
- Mr. Amir Joseph, Director of Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore, highlighted the witness of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, who called creation his brothers and sisters, and lived in radical simplicity.
- Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal, National Director of CWO and member of the National Commission on the Status of Women, praised the government’s “One Daughter, One Tree” campaign, which encourages women and girls to plant trees in honor of their mothers.
Students and teachers also offered prayers for peace, sustainability, and for those affected by natural disasters, especially flood victims in Pakistan.
Tree Plantation and Community Action
As a sign of commitment, Fr. Asif Sardar, together with representatives of the Catholic commissions and children, led a tree-planting ceremony on the church grounds. Thirty plants were distributed among families to encourage community participation in greening efforts.
More than 270 children and young girls, along with their teachers, participated in the program, gaining deeper awareness of their responsibility to safeguard God’s creation.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Ejaz Bhatti, Principal of St. John’s College, thanked Fr. Asif Sardar for his leadership, Fr. Akram Javed for his inspiring message, and all Catholic commissions for their unity in celebrating the Season of Creation in the Jubilee Year of Hope.
In his concluding words, Fr. Asif Sardar emphasized the importance of prayer, reflection, and concrete ecological action. He encouraged participants to reaffirm their baptismal call as stewards of creation, working together for a sustainable and hope-filled future.
Share it:
