Lahore: February 27, 2019. (PCP) Rev. Br. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap arrived in Lahore, Pakistan in the evening of Feb 25, 2019 on the invitation of Rev. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap the Castos of the Capuchins in Pakistan.

Rev. Br. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap visited St. Mary’s School Gulberg II, Lahore on Feb 26, 2019, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap the Castos of the Capuchins in Pakistan. St. Mary’s School Gulberg II, Lahore has been established by Rev. Fr. Emmerick OFM Cap in 1959 where the students of the school had prepared handmade cards for “St. Francis Peace Cards Exhibition.”  This exhibition was organized by St. Mary’s High School Gulberg II, Lahore and National Commission for Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism. The purpose of this exhibition was to create love and care for the nature and to make the students aware about the need for peace in personal and communal life and as result to make them ambassador of peace like St. Francis of Assisi.

Rev. Fr. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap appreciated the art work of the students in St. Francis Peace Cards Exhibition” which was the manifestation of the emotions and thoughts of the students for peace and harmony. He visited the classes and mingled with the students. These cards handmade cards were prepared by both Christian and Muslim students. The Muslim students form Jamiah Bait ul Quran also participated with their head Maulana Ashiq Hussain Mufti in the exhibition.

After the “St. Francis Peace Cards Exhibition”, Rev Fr. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap gave a talk to the higher secondary students of St. Mary’s school and St. Lawrence School Gulberg II, Lahore. The topic of his talk was “Care for Creation and the Promotion of Peace”. He advised the students to be an instrument of peace and to love the creation of God. He said that we need take care of our environment as Pope Francis has emphasized care for our common home. He further stated that it is the consumerism which leads towards climate change which effects the poor.  He mentioned integral ecology where we need to share things and resources with others in order to become instrument of peace. In addition, he said that it is the non-violent behavior which leads towards reconciliation, sacrifice and gives the message of peace. Therefore, we need to listen to the cry of the poor and the mother earth in order to become an instrument of peace through prayer.

The teachers and students of St. Mary’s School and St. Lawrence’s School Gulberg II, Lahore were also given appreciation awards for their wonderful services by Rev. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap. Rev. Br. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap, Rev. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap, Maulana Ashiq Hussain Mufti and  other Capuchin friars planted an  Olive tree along with Christian and Muslim students which is the symbol of peace and prosperity. All the participants and the students pledged to be an instrument of peace.