Lahore: June 4, 2014. (Fr. Inayat Bernard) “It is a happy day that we are in a new Pentecost as all of us are present here for 3rd interdenominational Alleluia Conference”. Archbishop of Lahore Sebastian F. Shaw OFM was talking to the faithful gathered for alleluia conference at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the church of Pakistan organized by Ecumenical Solidarity Committee (ESC) and Council for Inter Faith Dialogue (CIFD). He continued that the women who came first to the tomb of Jesus were worried about the heavy stone but were surprised that the tomb was empty and Jesus was not there. He showed himself to them and they were strengthened in their faith. Here is life in Jesus, it cannot be destroyed. Addressing to the faithful he said that though some have not experienced this resurrected Lord and are worried and are under the stone and do not live a full human life. Let us be a ray of hope and consolation and joy to the others. He ended by congratulating the ESC and CIFD and prayed for further visible unity. Fr. Morris Jalal OFM Cap said in his keynote address that Jesus Christ came to give life and he wished all to have life and life in abundance. None wishes to die. When someone gets sick, he asks to be taken to the hospital or to pray for his good health. Each values life and Jesus is the source. He said that May Magdalene experiences Jesus and becomes his witness. St. Thomas experiences Jesus and at once says “You are my Lord and my God”. The disciples and many others share this news of the resurrection that he is in fact risen. Jesus showed himself to them for forty days to make them strong in their faith that he is risen. Our presence here for 3rd Alleluia Conference is a sign although we have not seen the Lord with our own eyes but we believe and it is based on the witness of the early apostles and faithful. He said that birth and death of every person is a common reality but to rise from the dead was something unthinkable. For that reason it was extremely difficult to understand the mystery of resurrection but with the personal experience they gain maturity in their faith and become witness without any hesitation. He said that in Pakistan it is our duty now to be witnesses of the God of life and life is to be given by our words and actions. One word can kill or be life as well. Fr. Morris Jalal OFM Cap ended by saying let this conference be an invitation to be heralds of life because Jesus Christ is risen indeed. He may fill us with his Holy Spirit to be his witnesses. Salvation Army’s new Territorial Commander to Pakistan Col. Ivor Talfer said, “It is an honor to be with you in my representation as a territorial commander.” He said that about 4 years ago he happen to visit Peshawar and have always have the sense of service to humanity. He said dh he has been interested in other denominations and he was happy to participate in the 3rd interdenominational alleluia conference. He congratulated and expressed to have more program of this nature. Bishop Irfan Jamil the Bishop of Lahore said firstly that Easter is beautiful past. In the present time he is living and he will come again. Secondly he said Easter is full of life. He is a bridge between God and human beings..Thirdly he said Jesus Christ has overcome death and is resurrected therefore we need not to be worried of death. Fourthly he said that Jesus Christ is with us everyday and will be with us till the end of life. He ended by saying that we need to have transformation in our thinking and way of life. That will effect other people in a positive way. Fr. Francis Nadeem thanked the faithful and announced to have annul alleluia conference on Saturday before Ascension while Fr. Inayat Bernard introduced the Ecumenical Solidarity committee and its workings among the churches. Rev. Shahid Meraj was the M.C. and facilitated the Alleluia Conference. The readings were read by Sr. Rapahela Taj FTL, Col Washington Daniel while the Gospel was ready by Fr. Samson Dilawar. The prayers of the faithful were led by Fr. Benjamin Joseph and church of Pakitan Rev. I.B.Rocky. Inaugural prayer was said by Presbyterian Rev. Amjad Niamat while Rev. Salim Khokhar of Church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind said a prayer. Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar the Vicar of Church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind gave introduction of the main speaker of the evening Fr. Morris Jalal OFM Cap. In the beginning the heads of churches and their representatives lit the candle and the final prayer of St. Francis of Assisi was led by Fr. Shahzada Khuram OFM Cap. Bishop of Lahore Irfan Jamil of the Church of Pakistan send the faithful with the final benediction.