Pakistan church to aid widows, disabled during Lent

Catholics defy terror threats to help those most in need.

Pakistan:  Pakistan's Catholic Church is marking Lent, among other things, with fundraising on behalf of widows, aid to the poor, as well as visits to the sick and disabled people.

The time of fasting and penitence comes at a time of extreme difficulty and tensions, in a country touched by terrorist attacks in public places and places of worship. Despite this, Catholics will not stop supporting the poorest sections of the population and those who are in difficulty.

"We have raised funds to help more than 70 widows and their children," said Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad.

"Lent gives us the opportunity of engaging in campaigns to [show] Christ's merciful face in our difficult country," he added. In view of this, "I call on Christians throughout Pakistan to fast and pray for peace on the Friday before Palm Sunday," he said, speaking to AsiaNews.

For its part, the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore plans to organize bus visits to mentally and physically disabled people.

Catholic TV Pakistan is also broadcasting messages by priests and discussions about the Lenten fast.

In the south of the country, Karachi Archdiocese plans a twice-a-week, month-long 'Open the doors of your heart' program at its catechetical center.

"Parishioners have collected food every Sunday, to be divided into 250 baskets and distributed to the poor of the city," said Father Mario Rodrigues, rector at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

"We are trying to involve people of all ages in this Lenten season," he said. "Sunday catechism students and parish groups will visit the elderly and people with disabilities."

"We invited to the cathedral 350 over-50 couples this weekend. School children have been invited to share Easter preparations, and carry the cross on the Stations of the Cross."

Source: UCAN