LAHORE
CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CENTENARY
1907
– 2007
BULLETIN
No. 1 Dated: 1st
May 2006
“How
awe-inspiring this place is!
This is the
abode of God
This is the
gate of heaven” (Jacob’s dream – Genesis 28:17)
Dear
Friends and old Parishioners of the Cathedral,
Greetings
from Lahore!
I am pleased to announce the good news that our
Catholic Cathedral of Lahore will celebrate its Centenary Jubilee next year!
Cathedrals aren’t merely big churches. As the
seat and principal church of the Bishop, they proclaim to all the world the
unity and catholicity of the Catholic community. The Sacred Heart Cathedral of
Lahore has played a very prominent role in the development of the life and
identity of the local Catholic Church in Pakistan. Like a loving mother, it has
nurtured the lives of countless people in their faith journey.
This magnificent edifice was constructed by the
Belgian Capuchins in a prominent place in the heart of the city and consecrated
on 19th November 1907 as the mother Church of the diocese of
Lahore. It replaced the historic old Pro-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
built in 1861 near the famous Anarkali bazaar, outside the Old City.
At the same time, the Cathedral parish also
marks the century milestone of its history. Many of the old parishioners, now
scattered all over the globe, will cherish fond memories of a vibrant and
active parish, with a beautiful choir and social club.
JUBILEE
CELEBRATIONS
I would like to give some highlights of the coming
celebrations as chalked out by our Cathedral Centenary Committee.
The Jubilee Year will commence on the Feast of
Christ the King, Sunday 26 November 2006 with a solemn procession from the old
Cathedral in Anarkali to the new Cathedral on Lawrence Road, followed by a
Pontifical Eucharistic celebration and other rites. All the Parishes of the
Archdioceses will send some representatives
During the Jubilee year, a special series of spiritual
programs will highlight the theme of the Jubilee. For example, on Holy
Childhood Day, the first Sunday of February, there will be a grand Children’s
Rally. On Women’s Day, the Catholic Women’s Association will celebrate their
Jubilee joys. There will be a night vigil for youth on the eve of Pentecost,
and appropriate celebrations will be planned for the patronal feast of Sacred
Heart of Jesus, (15th June 2007).
It is planned to set up a museum at the entrance
of the Cathedral and also make a calendar for the year 2007. It is hoped that
the Government of Pakistan will issue a commemorative postage stamp on the
historic centenary.
Several events are in the pipeline for November
2007 but the climax of the celebrations will be reserved for 19th
November 2007. A solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated
at 11 am, at which the Papal Nuncio and all the Bishops of Pakistan will
concelebrate. All 24 Parishes will be participating.
We extend a cordial invitation to all old
friends, former parishioners and well wishers. It will be a memorable occasion
to come on pilgrimage to the old Cathedral, relieve old memories and receive a
solemn blessing.
We invite your participation. We are preparing a brochure and extend an
open invitation to all old parishioners to write their choicest memories of
parish life and send it by E-Mail on this address abishop@lhr.comsats.net.pk or by
ordinary mail, if you wish. You could also send some old photographs.
Please pass this bulletin around to your friends
and relatives. There will be a second Bulletin in August.
In the end we appeal to you to make a generous
contribution to the upkeep, repair and renovation of the grand and venerable
House of God. We rely on your generosity to make this occasion a grand success.
Please send your donations to:
Bank : Standard
Chartered Bank Ltd
Main Branch, The Mall,
Lahore-54000, PAKISTAN.
Account
Number : 05
4421787-79 (US$)
Account
Holder : Archdiocese
of Lahore.
Swift Code : SCBLPKKX.
With
every good wish and blessing on you and your loved ones,
Yours sincerely,
† Lawrence Saldanha
Archbishop of Lahore
E-Mail: fr_larry@hotmail.com