Lahore: June 10, 2019. (Sunil John) His Grace Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM (Chairman, National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue & Ecumenism) visited Jamiah Masjid Ahsan-al-Raheem, Lahore to extend Eid Greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap (executive secretary NCIDE), Fr. Faisal Francis and a number of prominent Muslim and Christian leaders accompanied his grace on this occasion.

The Archbishop and the other honorable guests were warmly welcomed at the Mosque. While expressing his sentiments, the Archbishop extended his warm greetings on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. He thanked the Muslim leaders who have shown a great value of acceptance and recognition. On this occasion he distributed the message of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue – Vatican, Rome for Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr. In his message the Archbishop cited the role of Muslim scholars and leaders in promotion of peace and harmony. He prayed for peace and prosperity in the country and assured his support to Muslim Brethren.

Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap, while expressing his views admired the presence of Muslim leaders on this occasion. He said that this assembly is a blessing of God, such gatherings bring us closer to each other and is the dire need of the time that Muslims and Christians should come forward for common good to all. Moulana Muhammad Asim Makhdoom, (Chairman Kul Masalik Ulma Board) expressed gratitude to the Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Fr. Francis Nadeem and the other honorable guests for gracing the occasion with their presence in a Masque.

 He also thanked for the message issued by Pontifical Council for Ramadan and Eid. He assured that we are all brothers and will continue to promote brotherhood. In his speech he flashed back the historical meeting of St. Francis and the Sultan, took place 800 years ago in Egypt. He linked the appearance of His grace Archbishop in the mosque with St. Francis arrival in Egypt with a message of peace and harmony, in the same way the Archbishop has come to deliver the message of brotherhood, tolerance and acceptance. The ceremony ended with recitation of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.