Pakistan to recognise Easter holiday for Christians

Next year the Pakistani government will recognise Good Friday as a holiday for Christians in the country.

According to AsiaNews, bishops were granted the measures from the Pakistani government in order to ensure that celebrations of Easter take place peacefully in Pakistan, where Taliban militants are increasing in influence.

This year large numbers of Catholics gathered to mark Easter in villages, towns and cities across Pakistan.

Fr Arthur Charles, vicar general of the Diocese of Karchi, said that the Chrism Mass at the cathedral of St Patrick was full because people "feel a special meaning and seriousness in this Holy Mass … Some people do not come to church regularly, but they do come to church on special occasions like these holy days. It is a reminder that they have not forgotten God.

"In the situation of Pakistan the resurrection of Jesus and his overcoming of evil has a powerful meaning. That is why we teach our people to become new people, feeling and bringing Jesus' resurrection in their own hearts and minds so they can witness to Jesus and promote the message of new life in this society."

There was also a musical performance by young people in Lahore called “Shaam-e-Calvary” (evening on Mount Calvary), which tells the story of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

On the role of young people at Easter, Fr Andrew Nisari, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Lahore, said different youth groups were busy with preparations.

"Some are responsible for cleaning the church. Some are taking care of security measures. Some are busy in helping people during these holy days. In short, the youth are visible in every matter of the diocese," he said.

Catholic priests at Easter traditionally work to help Pakistan's poor and needy.

Fr Iftikhar Moon, an assistant at the parish of Warispura near Faisalabad, works with people incarcerated in city prisons. He said, "We visit the central prison of Faisalabad every Sunday for the religious and spiritual formation of the prisoners. The visit includes the Bible reading and its interpretation, singing hymns, counseling and motivation that they should repent for their sins."

In addition to recognising Easter, the Pakistani government has also pledged to provide places of worship for prisoners in Pakistani jails. Such places are already guaranteed for Muslim prisoners.