The Diocese of Karachi

Redemptoris Mater Major Seminary

Fr Luis Esquinas Pajuelo, Rector of Redemptoris Mater Major Seminary in Karachi Archdiocese wrote to thank Irish benefactors for their generosity. The money received "will enable us to pay for the fees in the colleges as well as get some books and some food." Referring to the catastrophic floods of 2010, he wrote, "We had a strong moment of communion with the people affected by the floods from all the regions, we spent one week with them ... we are planning to spend one full week during Christmas with the Christians of Hyberabad, who are living in the streets because of the floods."

Adnan Younis, one of the seminarians wrote:

"My name is Adnan Yunus and I joined this seminary in November, 2008. Through this letter, I would like to thank you for the generosity which you have done by giving your aid to us. Your aid is helping us a lot in our studies, by providing food and transport. Before I joined the seminary, I was working for a Toyota company here in Karachi as an engineer assistant. Although I had a nice job and friends to enjoy my life, I was fed up with my dried and empty life of sin and completely unsatisfied. I often used to ask God for what purpose I was alive. I tried many things to fill this dissatisfaction, and one day - by the grace and strength of God - I stood up to give my life as a presbyter and joined the Seminary. In my time here, I can feel how God has been with me, and how he is providing me with my necessities through all you people who are ready to help anytime. I can see that God has chosen me to do his will even though I was not worthy. In spite of my sins and unfaithfulness however, he forgave me my sins and made me realize that I was happy doing his work. From then on, I knew I had made the right choice. Pray for me that one day I may become a priest. You are all in my prayers everyday."

Christ the King Major Seminary

The money on this project was used to pay for: medical bills of the seminarians; to supplement the food budget (as this has sky-rocketed due to the rise in the cost-of-living); and to pay for the high utility bills which the Government has increased through taxation.

Also, a major percentage of funds went to the local Institute of Technology for tuition fees of seminarians there. In respect of repairs and maintenance, a large portion was spent on the reparation of the domestic quarters which have been converted into six living-spaces, as there was an increase in the number of seminarian intake this year. Next year, there will be a further increase of nineteen novices for whom more rooms will have to be constructed. 

St Pius X Minor Seminary

Fr. Benjamin Shahzad, wrote to us to say: "I would like to thank you and all our generous benefactors for helping us in our Minor Seminary in Karachi. The money which we have received was spent on food and education of the seminarians. I cannot thank you enough for you kindness."

After spending a few days in the Minor Seminary, the brothers took the first-years out to show them the new seminary. As they saw the building, they all were amazed and said, "it's unbelievable, it's amazing! What a difference in the Old and the New."

In summer 2010, Pakistan went through terrible floods which killed many people and left millions without food and shelter. This seminary joined Dar-ul-Sukun's children to generate funds for helping flood victims in the country. It was an opportunity to express their solidarity with victims. Dar-ul-Sukun has been a home for physically challenged children since 1969. In addition to giving caring and educational services to children inside the building, it has always pursued an awareness for special children's significance in society. The sisters of Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the Kind look after this home. 

The Archdiocese of Lahore

St Francis Xavier Seminary

St. Francis Xavier Seminary is an institute of philosophical studies, which is situated in Youhannabad, about twenty kilometres away from central Lahore. It is affiliated to the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. It caters different philosophy course and post-graduate studies to the Seminarians from all the dioceses of Pakistan and some religious communities.

In 1994, the seminary was separated from Christ the King Seminary in Karachi (mentioned above). It has always been a challenge for us to provide quality education and formation to our students. We are grateful that our benefactors have been gracious enough to provide us with resources for the smooth running of this seminary. In Pakistan, due to the economic and political situation, the life of the common man and woman has become difficult, forcing them to work day and night for continuance. In this instance, we count ourselves graced by your love for your kindness and support in times of great need.