World, 16 January 2021 -- During the first day of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days, without any doubt the four testimonials from Lahore-Youhanabade was the most heart and mind-stirring moment. For many EAO participants the situation of the persecuted Catholic or Christians communities is not well known.
On 15 January, first of the 39th SF spirituality days, four interviews of Christians who have suffered considerable discrimination or persecution were live-streamed. After a short general background introduction about the social and religious situation in the country four short videos prepared by the Lahore community were watched by thousands of participants in this event (online): Ms Shabana, Ms Sitara, Ms Mehwish and Mr Amjad with his wife. Each was asked two simple questions: What does 'persecution' really mean in your personal experience? and How do you go ahead and live and witness to Christian faith in this situation?
One Salesian Brother shares a strong impact after watching these testimonies: "The thing that struck me most is the witness of the people from Pakistan. While I was listening to them, I realized how much they are tried by persecutions. On the other hand their faith is so strong, I would say refined by that same experience. I really admire them, they reminded me that the Lord allows trials to happen to us just to reveal the power of his Faith more in our lives."
One of the province level groups expressed their insight and challenge after the first EAO meeting: "The Pakistan video was shocking. Deserves prayer and engenders gratitude. There are persecutions going on even after 2021 years (of Christianity). Their plight and firmness of faith in spite of discrimination, torture, many times being illegally held in prison, marginalized even by their own families, forced conversions of marriages... nothing prevents the Pakistan Christians from holding onto their faith, keeping strong hope and witnessing to it through their humble life."
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