By Piero Ramello SDB

Lahore, Pakistan, 13 November 2023 -- For small realities like Salesian Pakistan even the most normal things, such as the retreat of the Salesian Family groups, can have the character of exceptionality. On Saturday, 11 November, for the first time, all the groups of the Salesian Family of Lahore (Past Pupils, Adma, and Salesian Cooperators) gathered for a spiritual retreat in the afternoon. After a meditation on the Strenna 2023, participants dedicated time to personal reflection, with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In the second part of the afternoon, the prayer included the Holy Mass and the rosary with the boys of the boarding school.

The evening ended with a shared dinner (each group of the Salesian Family offered a dish), enriched by a barbecue.

During dinner, Mr. Asif Daniel, National President of the Past Pupils, shared exciting news: the World Past Pupils Federation will support the Jaranwala project. This initiative, conceived by the Past Pupils of Lahore, was born as a gesture of solidarity towards the Christian community of Jaranwala, a city located 100 kilometers from Lahore. Following an alleged case of blasphemy on August 16, many churches and Christian homes were looted and set on fire. The project involves the distribution of school materials, which has already taken place, and the creation of 22 scholarships for technical education, thus demonstrating the dedication of the Salesian Family to the promotion of education and solidarity in difficult contexts.

The atmosphere of communion and spirituality was enriched by this initiative, a tangible sign of the strength and vitality of the Salesian Family in Lahore.

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