The Celebration of 125 years of our Foundation Day was an occasion that brought all the SCJM in the Province home at the Provincialate in Lahore on 3rd February 2023. It was a day to recall a historical era and to enliven the life story of the mission of our sisters in Pakistan, starting from our five pioneers. We believe that to speak of a mission is to re-live in faith the mysterious action of God in all those who formed a part of this history. Hence, the overall tone of the entire program was that of gratitude, affirmation and hope for the future to promote the mission of Jesus for our future generation in this beautiful land.

On this day, we were also happy to celebrate fifty years of loving and dedicated service of Sr. Maria Teresa and the silver jubilee of profession of Sr. Elfrieda Inayat and Sr. Rosy Sadiq.

The presence of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts, His Excellency Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, the Papal Nuncio, the bishops, priests, religious, the families of our jubilarians, and other guests was a great honour and a source of immense joy, encouragement, support and blessing for us all.

The jubilee celebration started with a warm welcome from the sisters and St. Joseph’s hostel girls to the Papal Nuncio, Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts, the bishops, and all the other honorable guests.

At 4:00 pm, the procession for Holy Mass began traditionally by singing the hymn: “I rejoiced when I heard them say, let us go to God’s house”. The Holy Mass was presided over by His Excellency Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, the Papal Nuncio. The homily was given by the Nuncio in which he recalled the outstanding events of our history right from its start in 1897, highlighting our charism of ministering to the needy and vulnerable of our society and our work in education, health care and pastoral ministry. The whole Mass was celebrated solemnly, with beautiful melodious hymns. The Chapel was arranged beautifully and artistically in a befitting manner for the joyful occasion of the 125 years jubilee.

After the Holy Mass, all proceeded to the ground of St. Joseph School, the place where our first sisters touched the holy ground 125 years ago. Here, the second part of the day took place. The venue was decorated magnificently with flowers and dazzling lights.
When all the guests were seated, first of all, our three jubilarians were invited onto the stage to be garlanded. Then there was the opening of the quasquicentennial monument. It was indeed a great honour for us all that His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts blessed the quasquicentennial monument erected on the wall of St. Joseph School where the history of our Province was initiated.

To entertain the audience, various items and cultural dances were performed. An additional attraction of the ground was the Panaflex banners showing the history of SCJM and the services rendered by each community.

The social evening was prepared by the students of St. John’s School, Yohannabad, St. Joseph’s School, Lahore, and St. Mary’s School, Hafizabad.

A very informative Powerpoint presentation prepared by a group of sisters was given, which elaborated the entire history of our Province by showing the dedicated and selfless service of SCJM on the Eastern Soil. Through the presentation, we wished to invite all the guests to walk with us down memory lane of the past 125 years of SCJM history. It was appreciated by all viewers and it also revived our own spirit.

Acknowledging the deep commitment and generous service of our religious leaders, benefactors, lay associates, the teaching and support staff shields were awarded as a token of our gratitude and appreciation.

We thank the Lord for being with us, leading and guiding us at each moment of the jubilee year. It had been a year of grace and renewal, urging us to recommit ourselves in continuing to live the Charism of our Founders ever more fully and enthusiastically.

Junior Sisters