A Capuchin Franciscan priest who carries out his apostolic mission in Pakistan, where Christians are a small minority persecuted by Islamic radicalism, asked all Catholics to “never take for granted the freedom to express their faith.”
Father Lazar Aslam, through the pontifical foundation Help the Church in Need (ACN) reflected on the meaning of Christmas for its community, noting that it “continues to celebrate its faith” despite the complicated panorama. “Despite the challenges, we remain steadfast in our beliefs, just as the early Christians did,” he said.
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The priest remembered the religious and lay people who have given their lives as a testimony of faith in Pakistan, especially Akash Bashir and Shahbaz Bhatti. Father Aslam stressed that “defending truth and love can cost us a great price. However, it is through such sacrifices that we truly embody the spirit of Christ.”
Furthermore, he assured that for the local Christian community, Christmas “is synonymous with hope” and a reminder that Jesus was born “in a humble and difficult situation to bring salvation to all.”
“It strengthens our faith that, even in difficulties, God’s light shines through. It is a time of unity, where our community comes together to celebrate God’s unconditional love. “He inspires us to remain firm in our faith, knowing that his peace transcends all obstacles, as he says in John 14:27,” added the priest.
Knowing themselves to be a minority, Catholics in Pakistan strive to ensure that “the true essence” of Christmas is not lost. Despite persecution and external restrictions that may limit the practice of faith, the community continues to gather in homes and churches to spread the Christmas message.
Father Aslam comments that priority is given to the Eucharist “since the celebration of the birth of Christ reminds us that God is with us.” Likewise, believers deepen their prayer life every day and strengthen their faith daily, through acts of kindness and charity.
In this way, he added, “we keep the spirit of Christmas alive, living the hope and joy that Jesus brings, despite all our challenges.”
Finally, he sent a message to Catholics around the world, reminding them that faith is strengthened in the most difficult moments. He expressed feeling very close to everyone, no matter where they are, because “we continue to be one body in Christ.”
“Do not take for granted the freedom to live and express your faith. May our perseverance serve as a reminder of the power of God’s love, which sustains us at all times. Let us work together to promote peace and understanding, as the angels said at the birth of Jesus: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” he concluded.
Andres Henriquez
I have been a writer for ACI Prensa and a correspondent for EWTN since 2023. Since then, I have covered events in the Catholic Church in Venezuela and Latin America. I have more than 5 years of experience in bilingual media. Additionally, in Venezuela I have worked with non-governmental organizations in favor of freedom and respect for human rights in the country. I have been a member of the Regnum Christi Federation since 2014.