Lahore, Pakistan — December 8, 2025
St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Lahore, one of Pakistan’s oldest and most influential institutions for priestly formation, celebrated its 75th anniversary on December 8, 2025, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Jubilee marked three-quarters of a century of sustained service to the Catholic Church through the formation of future priests and pastoral leaders across the country.
Founded in 1950 by Bishop Marcel Roger, the seminary has played a pivotal role in nurturing vocations not only for the Archdiocese of Lahore but for dioceses throughout Pakistan. Over the decades, it has formed generations of clergy who now serve as priests, bishops, religious, educators, and pastoral workers, contributing significantly to the life and mission of the Church in a minority-Christian context.
Eucharistic Celebration at the Heart of the Jubilee
The Jubilee celebrations were centered on a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Cardinal Joseph Coutts, former Archbishop of Karachi and himself an alumnus and former Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary. His presence underscored the seminary’s enduring legacy and the long-term fruits of its formative mission.
Concelebrating the Mass was Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, along with the seminary’s Rector Rev. Fr. Nakash Azam, and numerous diocesan and religious priests. The liturgy was attended by religious sisters, seminarians, alumni, and members of the faithful, reflecting the seminary’s deep-rooted connection with the wider ecclesial community.
A Seminary Serving the Church Nationwide
In his homily, Archbishop Travas highlighted the national importance of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, noting that it has served all dioceses of Pakistan and has contributed decisively to the renewal and strengthening of priestly formation in the country. Reflecting on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he emphasized Mary’s role as the one prepared by God to receive Christ, drawing a parallel with the seminary’s mission to prepare hearts and lives for service in the Church.
The Archbishop’s reflection invited seminarians to see their formation not merely as academic preparation, but as a profound spiritual journey shaped by interior conversion, availability to God’s will, and fidelity to the Gospel.
Gratitude for a Living Legacy
During the Jubilee gathering, words of gratitude were expressed for the seminary’s founders, former rectors, formators, and benefactors, whose dedication has sustained the institution over the past 75 years. Special appreciation was extended to Cardinal Coutts for his presence as a living witness to the seminary’s formative impact, and to Archbishop Travas for his pastoral guidance and continued support.
Acknowledgement was also given to the diocesan clergy, Capuchin friars, and religious sisters from various congregations who contribute to the intellectual, spiritual, and human formation of seminarians, as well as to the seminarians themselves, whose commitment and service were central to the Jubilee celebrations.
Looking Forward with Hope
The Jubilee concluded with a spirit of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission of fostering vocations in Pakistan. Entrusted to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary continues its calling as a house of discernment, prayer, and formation, preparing future priests to serve the People of God with faith, resilience, and pastoral charity.
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