(Dec. 21, 2011) In Pakistan, in preparation for Christmas, a poetry symposium to
mark the ‘Birth of the Prince of Peace’ was held last Saturday at the Catholic Bishop’s
House in Faisalabad. Organised by Diocesan Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue,
the event was meant to spread a message of peace through poetry, and strengthen the
relationship between different communities. Some 125 people, including prominent local
poets, priests, nuns, catechists, students, intellectuals and poetry lovers from different
communities took part in the event. Renowned poet Arshad Javed chaired the event.
As the chief guest, Fr Khalid Rasheed Asi recited some poems. The poetry reading was
preceded by the lightening of a candle as a symbol of peace, and the cutting of a
Christmas cake by Bishop Joseph Coutts accompanied by Muslim and Christian poets.
Poems and odes inspired by the themes of peace, harmony, humanity, equality and forgiveness
were recited by the poets in Urdu, Punjabi and Saraiki. Arshad Javed, a renowned
Pakistani poet, noted that people from different communities must meet on a more regular
basis, and not only at religious festivals, to build a “culture of peace, respect
and understanding”. “Poets and writers are the envoys of peace because they can propose
peaceful remedies for the violent conflicts that stir society”, said Fr Khalid Rasheed
Asi, vicar general of Faisalabad. Concluding the event, Fr Aftab James Paul, director
of the diocesan commission, said that poetry is the best way to spread peace because
“it has no boundaries”.