Lahore: November 19, 2010. (PCP) The sole objective of the Catholic Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Lahore is to empower, inspire and encourage the youth of the archdiocese by providing and facilitating them with different platforms so that they can bring out their hidden talents. The Catholic Youth Ministry has been making sincere efforts to achieve these goals. As part of this dynamic tradition, Catholic Youth Ministry brought together youth from all the parishes of the archdiocese, organizing an Annual Youth Rally on November 6, 2010, at Saint Anthony’s High School’s ground. The theme of this rally was: “A Culture of Tolerance”. We believe that nurturing a culture of tolerance is necessary for peace not only in Pakistan but also in the world. We need to educate the world about it. The November 6 mega event was a step forward towards a struggle to establish peace in Pakistan. Circumstances were unfavorable, since Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM, director Catholic Youth Ministry, lost his younger brother a week before the date fixed for the Youth Rally. With a difference of three days, one of the organizers of Youth Rally lost her father. The epidemic Dengue Fever brought about both deaths. But thanks to the courage and determination of Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM and Catholic Youth Ministry team, the Program was held as per schedule. The enthusiasm was the same. Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM with his team personally welcomed each and every participant at the Rally. The program started with Holy Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 9:00 am. The church was beautifully decorated by the dint of indomitable efforts on the part of Dominican sisters as well as the youth group of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Choir was impressive and the environment was totally spiritual and peaceful. His Grace the archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha graced the occasion as the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration. Because of his unfailing support, the Catholic Youth Ministry was able to organize the Catholic Youth Rally for the Youth of the archdiocese of Lahore. In his sermon he emphasized the significance of Tolerance in our Culture. He said that the youth have the capacity to overcome intolerance and unbearable negatives forces, and it is they who can bring about change in our country. He said that every one of us has to be an ambassador of tolerance in their parishes, schools, colleges, universities and Youth Groups. He also congratulated the Youth Team for their great determination, working for the animation and uplift of the Youth. His Grace the archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha also lit the Youth Rally candle at the end of the Holy Mass. After Holy Mass, all the participants moved towards Saint Anthony’s ground in the form of a procession. Priests and Nuns were leading the Rally. Saint Anthony’s ground was charmingly decorated with tents and lots of banners carrying inspiring quotations referring to a Culture of Tolerance and Peace. The Stage was decorated in a splendid way by Shahdara Parish under the supervision of their Parish Priest and Miss Shazia. The hall was full of students and teachers from different schools and colleges, youth groups from various parishes, seminarians, and clergy and religious. There were several personalities belonging to different walks of life. A good Number of Catholic Priests did the opening. Rev Father Benjamin senior priest of the archdiocese with Rev Father Morris Jalal OFM cap, Rev Fr. Patras and Father Bernard Y Bhatti OFM cut the red ribbon for the opening of the rally. Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM the Youth Director delivered a sermon on building a culture of tolerance. He beautifully related the Culture of Tolerance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Moreover, he portrayed Jesus Christ as an ambassador of peace and culture of tolerance. He emphasized that we need to follow Jesus with an eye to build peace in this world. Mr. Yousaf, Ms. Sana, and Ms. Christina Patras from Kot Lakhpat Parish and Mr. Shafqat Emmanuel from Sheikhupura parish acted as the stage secretaries. They lead the program ceaselessly and in a captivating manner inspiring the audience with reciting Urdu verses of well known poets of Pakistan. The Program stated with a prayer. All the participants prayed for the dawn of peace and a culture of tolerance not only in Pakistan but also around the globe. Thereafter a beautiful peace song was sung. Subsequently, Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM welcomed all the clergy and religious, and all youth participants. He cordially thanked all the parish priests of the diocese and particularly the priests present at the time, for their collaboration in making this mega event possible. He emphasized that we all have to work for the development of catholic youth. He also praised and thanked his team and all the organizers for their creditable job. Fr. Morris Jalal, Fr. Benjamin Joseph, Fr. Bernard Emmanuel, Fr. Bursar Joseph, Fr. Patras, Father Henry OFM Cap, Father Khiled ofm Cap and Fr. Zachariah Ghouri and many other priests joined the rally at a later stage. Mr. Shakeel Tabassam, a student from Jamke Cheema Parish delivered a wonderful speech. He explained that the history of human civilization is a history of constant warfare and violence and the twentieth century saw two World Wars. The Culture of Tolerance and peace is the need of the hour. Interestingly, there were many singers from different parishes and schools who sang beautiful religious songs that reflected a Culture of Tolerance. Famous Chaanan Theater Group, comprising of young Christian boys and girls, presented an astonishing play elaborating many societal problems like terrorism, religious sectarianism, discriminatory laws for minorities and domestic violence. They highlighted the outcomes of all these problems. More importantly, they also recommended solutions to the specific problems. Saint Francis Xavier seminarians also came with similar ideas and presented a play. They beautifully unveiled how unemployment is pushing our youth towards different crimes and extremism. While the theme was a serious one, there was one young boy Mr. Alam who entertained the audience with his humorous songs. He was very good at mimicking, in as much as he imitated Amitabh, Sharukh and many other Indian actors, showing his brilliance. It goes without saying that he was very talented, for despite the fact that he was disabled he did a stunning job. In the afternoon, when most of the participants were exhausted, having worked untiringly and were hungry as well, the Catholic Youth Ministry served the participants with delicious lunch. Everyone enjoyed ‘Baryani’ as well as a break of almost half an hour. In the meantime, Chief Guest of Rally, Naila Joseph Dayal, Chairperson Christian Progressive Movement and Social Worker, arrived. Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM with his team welcomed her tenderly and presented her bouquets. In her speech, Naila Joseph Dayal encouraged youth to work hard for education. She asked the youth to develop socially, economically and in all other walks of life. She unveiled the fact that our salvation is in the hands of youth. We need youth leadership which can work for political and social rights. She also appreciated the efforts of Fr. Bernard Bhatti for the development of youth. At the end, Fr. Bernard Bhatti OFM thanked all the participants. He appreciated all the young boys and girls for their inspiring performances. He said that our youth is full of talents. It is our responsibility to provide them with such platforms so that they can express themselves. He also promised that the Catholic Youth Ministry we will keep on working for the development of youth. It is also a platform to exchange and share their vision, views and ideas on how to promote a Culture of Tolerance in our beloved country.