Press Release<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KARACHI: Under the leadership of the Archbishop of Karachi, His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, special religious celebrations marking the Novena of Our Lady of Velankanni and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary formally commenced at St. Anthony\u2019s Catholic Church, Karachi. The inaugural ceremony was attended by religious leaders, prominent members of the Christian community, distinguished guests and a large number of devotees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The celebrations began with a solemn procession carrying the sacred statue of Our Lady of Velankanni and the Holy Flag, followed by the collective recitation of the Holy Rosary in Urdu and English by members of the Legion of Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ringing of the church bells, Marian hymns and special prayers created a deeply spiritual and reverent atmosphere. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at 12:00 noon, followed by a special prayer service in front of the Grotto at 12:20 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The religious celebrations were attended by Father Arthur Charles, Parish Priest; Father Asher Iftikhar, Assistant Parish Priest; Father Warrior, Assistant Parish Priest; and Father Joshua, Assistant Parish Priest, who participated in and assisted with the religious services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the distinguished participants were Mr. Pervez Gill, Chairman of the Christian Forum of the FPCCI\u2013EU Business Forum, and Advocate Supreme Court Mr. Shahbaz Sothra, along with prominent members of the Christian community and devotees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pervez Gill said that the Novena of Our Lady of Velankanni carries a profound message of faith, prayer, love, peace and service to humanity. He said that such spiritual gatherings not only strengthen religious devotion but also provide an opportunity to collectively pray for the security, peace, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that special prayers during the Novena would be offered for the sovereignty, integrity, honour and dignity of Pakistan, as well as for peace, stability and the well-being of its people. He prayed that Almighty God may continue to bless Pakistan with peace, progress and prosperity and protect the country from all challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Pervez Gill also expressed his prayers and best wishes for Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, praying that Almighty God may grant the national leadership and all institutions entrusted with the defence of the country greater wisdom, strength and success in serving the nation and safeguarding Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that Pakistan is our shared homeland, and its progress, security and prosperity are a collective responsibility. He emphasized that unity, brotherhood, tolerance and mutual respect among Pakistanis belonging to different faiths are essential to building a stronger, peaceful and harmonious country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Pervez Gill further said that Pakistan, particularly Karachi, is a beautiful tapestry of people belonging to different faiths, cultures and traditions. He emphasized that promoting religious tolerance, interfaith harmony and mutual respect is essential for a peaceful, strong and prosperous Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Novena of Our Lady of Velankanni will continue from 29 August to 8 September 2026, with special prayers and Holy Mass being held daily. The central and concluding religious ceremony will be held on 8 September 2026, commemorating the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Venue<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St. Anthony\u2019s Catholic Church
21-McNeil Road, Frere Town, Karachi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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