Karachi: The Vailankanni Novena concluded at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Karachi on Tuesday with special prayers for Pakistan’s security, peace, stability and prosperity, as members of the Christian community renewed their commitment to interfaith harmony and brotherhood.
The religious celebrations, held in connection with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, began on August 29 and culminated in a central ceremony led by the Archbishop of Karachi, His Grace Bishop Benny Mario Travas.
The concluding ceremony drew religious figures, community leaders, social and business personalities and a large number of devotees. Participants offered the Holy Rosary, hymns and Holy Mass, while the church remained filled with prayers and religious devotion.
Father Arthur Charles, Parish Priest, along with Assistant Parish Priests Father Asher Iftikhar, Father Warrior and Father Joshua, took part in the ceremonies and assisted with the religious services.
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Among those attending were Pervez Gul, Chairman of the Christian Forum of the Pakistan–EU Business Forum, and Advocate Supreme Court Shahbaz Sothra, alongside prominent members and leaders of the Christian community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pervez Gul said the Vailankanni Novena represented more than a religious tradition, describing it as a message of faith, prayer, love, peace and service to humanity. He said the Christian community had continued to pray throughout the Novena for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.
He called on all sections of society to contribute to the country’s development and said Pakistan’s security, sovereignty, integrity and prosperity were a shared responsibility.
Gul said religious communities across Pakistan continued to contribute to the country’s social and economic development. He stressed that religious tolerance, mutual respect, interfaith harmony and brotherhood remained essential to building a peaceful and prosperous society.
He also described Karachi as a city shaped by different religions, cultures and traditions, saying its diverse communities played an important role in the city’s social, economic and cultural life. He urged people to overcome differences and promote unity and mutual respect.
Gul offered prayers and expressed good wishes for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He prayed for strength and wisdom for the country’s leadership and institutions in safeguarding Pakistan and serving its people.
He also prayed for protection from internal and external challenges, lasting peace and stability, and greater prosperity and development for the country.
The ceremony also featured appreciation for the Sindh government, police and law enforcement agencies for security and traffic arrangements during the Novena.
Gul said the authorities had taken effective measures to protect worshippers and manage traffic, allowing the religious celebrations to take place in a peaceful environment. He said the Christian community valued the support provided by the provincial government and law enforcement agencies during religious festivals and worship.
He also praised the administration of St Anthony’s Church, priests, organisers and volunteers for managing the celebrations and arrangements for devotees.
According to Gul, cooperation between the Sindh government, police, law enforcement agencies, church administration and the Christian community demonstrated the importance of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony in Sindh.
The concluding ceremony marked the end of the Novena and renewed the Christian community’s commitment to promoting peace, love, service and harmony. Organisers reaffirmed that the community would continue praying for Pakistan’s security, development and prosperity while contributing to a peaceful and united country.
The Vailankanni Novena was held from August 29 to September 8, 2026, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church on McNeil Road in Karachi, with prayers, the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass held throughout the nine-day religious observance.
