Pakistan Jesuits mark fiftieth anniversary

(February 10, 2012) The Society of Jesus marked its 50th anniversary in Pakistan on Wednesday 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, Jesuit Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in Sri Lanka that also includes Pakistan. “This may seem rather inward looking. Yet I am convinced that the future of the mission depends on this,” Fr. Jeyaraj said during golden jubilee celebrations at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore. 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 presence of Jesuits in Pakistan has not been continuous since their first presence in Fathepur Sikri on 28 February 1580, at the invitation of Moghul Emperor Akbar. Their most recent presence has been since 1961, when two German Jesuits took up permanent residence in Lahore at the invitation of Belgian Capuchin Bishop Marcel Roger Buyse of Lahore.