Jesuits mark fiftieth anniversary in Pakistan

(February 09, 2012) The Society of Jesus has celebrated its 50th anniversary in Pakistan with a renewed focus on local vocations. “Our first priority is to have more Pakistani Jesuits and to have a formation program for candidates in Pakistan itself,” said Father Jeyaraj, Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Sri Lanka. “This may seem rather inward looking. Yet I am convinced that the future of the mission depends on this,” he said during golden jubilee celebrations at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore on Wednesday. Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore presided over the Mass with five priests including Fr Imran John, the only Pakistani Jesuit. More than 1,000 people attended the celebration which ended with a concert. The Jesuits took up permanent residence in Pakistan in 1961, after being invited to the country by Capuchin Bishop Ray Marcellus Rogerius.