Peace Center Lahore organized Christian Faith Formation Seminar for youth. Christian youth came from different backgrounds to attend the seminar on 18th September, 2019. Fr. Dr. James Channan OP Director Peace Center Lahore and Fr. Patrick Peter OP Student Master, Ibn-e-Mariam Formation House gave very comprehensive lectures that how we can practice our Christian Faith while facing many challenges as minority in Pakistan. Mr. Faisal Ilyas Executive Secretary Peace Center Lahore facilitated workshop "Challenges of Christian youth and practicality of faith". There were around 50 young boys and girls shared their bitter experiences and learning’s from the program. All participants were excited and determined to execute Christian Faith in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world.  Fr. Patrick Peter OP Students’ Master shared his comprehensive lecture on Christian Faith Formation and said “You Christians are the backbone of Christianity; they are the hope, courage and confidence. They are future leaders and joy of their parents. They are the strong believers of God and disciples as well. Youngsters are the biggest resource and functional unit of the world. There are bad habits which are misleading youth; unnecessary use of mobile phone, misuse of internet, face book and other social media tools. They are not paying attention to their most important responsibilities i.e. their family, education and development. In this beautiful phase of life they devoted their lives for God and become Prophets, Kings, Priests and Disciples. There are many examples of Prophets chosen in the young age. Many saints sacrificed for the love of God. That is why His Holy Pope celebrates World Youth Day every year.

The Holy Bible is the biggest source of divine wisdom, youngsters should read it daily. I would like to share the most expected skills and qualities that all Christians should have; Faithfulness, Peace Ambassador, respectful, caring, patient, and love promoter because God is love. I wish every youngster should know the four Cardinal Virtues that are; Prudence/Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Faith and Love. I also suggest to avoid these sins; Lust, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. Seven values that we should try keep and develop in our character; chastity, purity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility.”    

We started with Bible reading Acts Chapter no. 1 and verses 4-8, read by Sheetal, student of Sacred Heart Girls School, Asif Town. Brother Adeel offered prayer for the program success. Fr. James Channan OP Director Peace Center Lahore formally welcomed all the guests especially Fr. Patrick Peter students master at Ibn-e-Mariam House for sparing some time to attend this program and shared the agenda of the program. He said “According to the verses of The Holy Bible, we need to work on our Christian Faith Formation and following the faith practicality matters a lot, how we will be the witnesses of God till the remotest part of the Earth? It is only possible to make our faith strong in Jesus Christ and the practice of the faith in the society. Today we will learn how we can become good faithful Christians through different activities.” 

Mr. Faisal Ilyas Executive Secretary Peace Center Lahore shared an introductory presentation of Peace Center and a video was played to know the whole plan of God to create the world and wrong directions of the human beings. Video message taught God has given us 613 laws but human beings did not act upon. Then God send His son Jesus Christ to change their hearts from hate to love, bad to good and evil to Holy Spirit.
Mr. Faisal Ilyas facilitated a workshop "Challenges of Christian youth and practicality of faith". There were around 50 young boys and girls to prepare their presentation through brain storming, later they shared their bitter experiences and learning’s while presenting their presentation. He also shared “the passion to serve humanity by quoting the Holy Bible verses from Mathew Chapter 25, 31 to 46. We have to help the needy whether they are hungry, thirsty. Have not cloths, in the prison or strangers. When we help the people in need, indirectly we are helping God.”


Lastly Fr. James Channan OP thanked all the Christian youngsters and their valuable participation. He thanked Fr. Patrick Peter OP for their very comprehensive sharing on Christian Faith Formation which is the need of the hour. I also appreciate the hard work of Mr. Faisal Ilyas for arranging and showing related videos for better learning. God bless you all. Thank you very much!