A very inspiring and spiritually uplifting Symphony of Peace Prayers was organized at Peace Center, Lahore on May 15, 2016. This program was jointly organized by the Peace Center and URI Pakistan, with more than 150 Christians and Muslims participating.
It was a diverse group, including professors, lawyers, religious leaders, human rights activists, promoters of interfaith dialogue, social workers, and representatives from about 25 different NGOs. Children and students also attended, including from Minhaj University, Kinnaird College for Women, and FC College.
The Peace Center was very elegantly decorated with flowers and banners, with flags of all the nations in the hall. There was a great spirit of joy and tranquility found everywhere and every person was filled with bliss and gratitude for this event which was being celebrated in Japan and in 86 other countries. We felt very united with the entire globe and all the different countries, nations, cultures, religions, and ethnicities.
A special message from Mrs. Masami Saionji (Chairperson of Byakko Shinko Kai and the World Peace Society) was read, in which she spoke highly of URI Pakistan’s work, and especially the efforts of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Fr. James Channan OP, and Sr. Sabina Rifat. Sr. Rifat also introduced the Soul of WoMen global campaign.
It was particularly special to be with different people from the community at this time, as Christians were celebrating the great feast of Pentecost. Everyone seemed mesmerized during the peace song presented by the young Dominican students.
There was a significant number of URI leaders, Coordinators, and members present from throughout Pakistan, which further enhanced the role of URI’s work in our wounded society. This event was a sign of hope that the people of Pakistan long for peace, and this a bright side of our society which needs to be promoted in and seen by the world. Unfortunately, the world media gives much more coverage to the negative and violent news – which is also a reality. But there is a grave need to highlight such events and ceremonies which bring a ray of hope, mutual respect, acceptance, and tolerance. Such events serve to bring a sense of healing and reconciliation among the people which is the basis of URI’s manifesto.
Maulana Khabir Azad, former URI Global Council Trustee, presided over the event. Father James Channan OP, URI Regional Coordinator Pakistan was the Chief Organizer and host, and Mr. Asher Nazir, Coordinator of COPE CC, was Stage Secretary.
Guests of honor: Rev. Dr. Marqus Fida, Coordinator International Gospel Mission CC; Hafiz Nauman Hamid, Coordinator of World Council of Religions; Fr. John Tanveer, Vicar of Orthodox Metropolinate in Pakistan; Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, representative of the Diocese of Raiwind; and Mrs. Shabnam Nagi, Lawyer of the High Court of Pakistan.
Speakers:
Professor Muhammad Zaman Nazi; Miss Mahwish Obaid; Miss Zara Pervaiz, Coordinator at Light of Hope CC; Fr. Inayat Bernard; Miss Tasneem Saeed Ortts, URI Youth Trainer.
Sr. Naseem George, Coordinator of Azaz-e-Niswan CC in Sargodha read a passage from the Holy Bible, and Allama Nadeem recited some verses from the Holy Quran.
Sr. Sabina Rifat, Coordinator of URI Women Wing Pakistan introduced URI and Soul of WoMen, emphasizing the imperative role of women in every field of life.
Other URI Coordinators included: Mr. Francis Xavier, Coordinator, Basharat-e-Ibn-Mariam CC; Chaudhary Barkat, Coordinator, Bhatta Mazdoor (Kiln) Workers CC; Mr. Aqeel Khan, Coordinator, ABNC4All CC.
Some members of two future CCs also traveled hundreds of miles from other cities to participate in this program.
Thanks for your moral, spiritual, and all kinds of support for making such URI events possible in Pakistan!
In peace,
Father James Channan OP
URI Regional Coordinator, Pakistan
