Lahore, August 20, 2025 – With deep sorrow yet unshaken hope in the Resurrection, the Archdiocese of Lahore gathered today at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lahore, for the Memorial Mass of Rev. Fr. Mushtaq Piara (1976–2025).
His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, surrounded by a large assembly of priests, religious sisters, brothers, seminarians, the faithful, and the bereaved family of the late priest.
The tragic death of Rev. Fr. Mushtaq Piara occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the district of Sialkot, when a train collided with a car in which Fr. Mushtaq and Rev. Fr. Zafer were traveling. While Fr. Zafer survived with injuries, Fr. Mushtaq was called home to the Lord. His sudden death came as a great shock to the Archdiocese and the wider Catholic community of Pakistan. His funeral was celebrated on Sunday with immense participation of clergy, religious, and faithful who came in great numbers to bid farewell to their beloved priest.
Today’s Memorial Mass was offered to commend his soul to the mercy of God and to strengthen his family and the diocesan community in faith and consolation.
Archbishop’s Homily: A Priest Who Carried His Cross Daily
Preaching on the words of Christ, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24), Archbishop Benny Mario Travas reflected on the life and priestly ministry of Fr. Mushtaq Piara
The Archbishop emphasized that the priesthood is inseparably linked to the Cross of Christ, and that no priest can truly call himself a disciple without carrying his daily crosses with humility and faith. In this light, he described Fr. Mushtaq as a priest who lived the Gospel fully: gentle, humble, patient, obedient, and deeply close to his people.
“Fr. Mushtaq loved his priesthood,” Archbishop Travas said. “He carried his crosses silently yet faithfully, never losing his joy and hope. He remained steadfast in obedience, committed to prayer, and always close to the faithful entrusted to him.”
The Archbishop recalled a message once sent by Fr. Mushtaq: “Bishop, please save my priesthood.” For him, the gift of priesthood was precious, and even in moments of trial, his desire was that his vocation remain faithful and strong.
Quoting Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro, the first Pakistani Cardinal, Archbishop Travas reminded the congregation that “the true measure of a priest is seen in the tears of the people at his funeral.” Indeed, the massive outpouring of love and grief at Fr. Mushtaq’s funeral testified to his pastoral closeness, his dedication to parish communities, and his tireless work in strengthening the faith of the people.
A Legacy of Humility and Faith
Archbishop Travas further noted that Fr. Mushtaq, like Christ, denied himself in obedience and service, bore his cross daily in suffering, and followed the Lord faithfully until death. His passing, the Archbishop said, is not an end but a fulfillment of his lifelong union with Christ: “The death of August 16 was only a physical death; by carrying his cross each day, Fr. Mushtaq had already died in Christ, and now he lives forever in the Kingdom of God.”
Thanksgiving and Commendation
The Archbishop extended his heartfelt gratitude to the family of Fr. Mushtaq Piara for their presence, to the priests who traveled from different parishes, the religious sisters, brothers, seminarians, and all faithful who came to pray. Their presence, he said, was itself a testimony of love for a priest who had touched so many lives.
At the conclusion of the Eucharist, prayers were offered for the eternal repose of Fr. Mushtaq’s soul, and for the comfort of the grieving family and diocesan community.
The Memorial Mass of Rev. Fr. Mushtaq Piara was not only a moment of grief but also a celebration of faith, priesthood, and discipleship. As the Archdiocese of Lahore continues to mourn his untimely passing, it also rejoices in the hope of the Resurrection and in the witness of a priest who bore his cross with faith and love.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
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