Lahore: August 7, 2015. (PCP) On 3rd August 2015, Council for Interfaith Dialogue, Pakistan organized an Interfaith ceremony “Banquet of Unity” here at Lahore. This ceremony was hosted by His Grace Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore in connection with Eid-ul-Fitr 2015. A number of dignitaries from different walks of life were present in the ceremony. The ceremony began with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Qari Hafiz Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain while Major Saleem Yousaf of Salvation Army Church led the participants in offering opening prayer. Welcoming the guests, Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap Coordinator of Council for Interfaith Dialogue-Pakistan thanked all the participants and extended Eid greetings to Muslim Brethren on behalf of the entire Christian community of Pakistan. Presenting the introduction Fr. Qaiser Feroz OFM Cap said, “the purpose of this programme is to bring the followers of different religions closer to one another and share joys and happiness together in order to cultivate the seed of tolerance, unity and brotherhood.” On this occasion participants belonging to different religions also expressed their views and appreciated all the efforts of the Council for promotion of peace and interfaith harmony in Pakistan. Dr. Badar Munir congratulated participants. He elaborated the importance of fasting and celebration of religious festivals in all the religions. He said, “These values teach us lessons of forgiveness, tolerance and unity”. Rev. Saleem Khokher delivered the message of Pope Francis released on the occasion of Eidul-Fitr 2015. He also extended best wishes on behalf of the Holy Father. Maulana Abdul Hameed Wattu, a spokesman of Allama Tahir Mahmood Asharfi the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council emphasized the importance of love among all the human beings. He said that love is the prime truth of the world, that’s why it was chosen by all the Holy Prophets as a driving force. Rev. Emmanuel Khokher urged all the participants to exchange of smile with one another as a gesture of acceptance and brotherhood. Professor Dr. Amir Hashmi of the Punjab University also stressed the need of a peaceful Interfaith and intra faith dialogue among followers of all the religions. Miss Almas Butt, director of SOS Children village, Lahore shared the sweet memories of her childhood when she was a student of a Convent school. She told that she loved to take part in singing hymns and carols. She cited that all the prophets and our great leaders emphasized to live together following the ideology of co-existence. Advocate Shabnam Nagi advised to be one and knock down the powers that plot to break-off the unity prevailing among the hearts of all the citizens of our beloved country. Rev. Fr. Pascal Paulus OP Minister Provincial Dominican fathers in Pakistan and President of the Major Superiors Conference, extended congratulations of Eid-ul-Fitr to everyone. He pleaded all the countrymen to pay their contribution to maintain peace and harmony in our society. Liaqat Baloch, general secretary Jamiat-e-Islami Pakistan thanked Fr. Francis Nadeem and the Council for arranging such a harmonious event and inviting him to join. In his message he recalled back an incident from the history where a caliph left a great example to protect the holy places of other religions. He said that role of religious leaders is the key to promote peace and harmony in the society. We must strive to live in harmony with one another. His Grace Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore; congratulated all the Muslim Brethren in the light of the Eid Message from the Holy Father, Pope Francis. He said that there must be reconciliation among followers of all the religions. He stressed the need of peace and to live in peace with one another, because we have fought back such severe circumstances during the past decade which has matured us and taught us to live in peace and harmony as one nation. He requested all the participants to prepare their children for the promotion of peace and reconciliation in the society, so that they may become peaceful and progressive citizens of the country. The Archbishop said, “Blessed are the parents whose children do not hate anybody”. During the programme, flowers were distributed among the participants and requested to exchange these flowers with each other as a symbols of love and unity. Afterwards these flowers were collected and a bouquet was made and displayed on the stage. The participants clapped and highly appreciated such kind of demonstration of unity. The cards of Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi were distributed among all the participants and Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap read out the peace prayer. Before joining the “Banquet of Unity” Fr. Francis Nadeem; thanked all the participants and emphasized that the prayer for peace should be a part of our daily prayer life.