The brutal killing of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, the voice of the voiceless and defender of human rights, calls us to renew our commitment as heralds of Christ the King

Karachi, Pakistan: March 08, 2011, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Karachi, March 4, 2011: Archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha of Lahore, president of Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference and Chairman of National Commission for Social Communications paid a heartfelt and loving tribute to Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, the Federal Minister for Minority Affairs who was slain by three terrorists in Islamabad. A special Mass was offered at Christ the King Seminary in Karachi, as the funeral rites began in Islamabad. Archbishop Evarist Pinto, the Chairman of National Commission for Seminaries and Clergy Formation; Bishop Sebastian Shah, the Auxiliary; Father Augustine Soares, Rector of Christ the King Seminary; Father Paskal Robert, Dean of the National Catholic Institute of Theology; professors, formators, seminarians and religious prayed and expressed their deep grief over the assassination of Bhatti.

Addressing the young seminarians the Archbishop Saldanha said, “You are the future hope and the heralds of Christ the King. Shahbas Bhatti is a role model for the youth and the Church leaders as well. We are facing a difficult situation where intolerance is on the peak.”
         
As a dedicated leader, “Bhatti was always concerned about the poor and all the minorities. He was voice of the voiceless and defender of human rights. We continue this mission,” Archbishop Saldanha affirmed.

The Archbishop encouraged the students as he said, “Put your hands in the hands of Christ. Never loose hope. Let us take courage from Jesus to bring Good News to the poor.” He showed his maximum optimism in the midst of violence and persecution as he said, “We hope that things will change, the Christians will be accepted and have same status and equal rights in Pakistan, our homeland.”
     
The seminarians and the religious prayed for the grieved family of Bhatti and for peace and social harmony in the country.

To keep the memory of the great sacrifice of Bhatti alive, Father Augustine Soares, the rector of CKS, presented a Crucifix to the Archbishop for blessing. The Archbishop blessed the Crucifix which will be placed in the Seminary.

“This Crucifix will always remind us two things; 1. Bhatti had said that he would never join politics but looking at the situation he decided not to marry but dedicate his life for the rights of minorities. 2. The Holy Cross will remind us that suffering is part of our life and we should look to Jesus for encouragement, said Father Augustine.

Fr. Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap  reported.