Companions in a mission of justice and reconciliation

20 December 2024

The first step towards collaboration

On 5 December, the Loyola Hall Research & Spirituality Center (LHRSC) visited Kinnaird College for Women University in Lahore. Being a proud alumna of Kinnaird College, as well as the former President of Kinnaird’s Christian Fellowship Society (KCFS), I accompanied Scholastic Peter Long SJ, a Vietnamese Regent currently serving in Pakistan, on a tour of the campus.

The visit had two primary objectives: to observe how Christmas is celebrated at Kinnaird College by the Christian Fellowship Society and to explore potential collaboration between LHRSC and KCFS. The ultimate goal was to create opportunities for empowering young Christian women through education, mentorship, and spiritual community initiatives.

The highlight of the visit was the annual Christmas play, The Great Miracle. The play focused on the history of Christmas carols, beautifully performed alongside a theatrical presentation, creating an inspiring atmosphere of joy and reverence. Furthermore, I shared personal insights into how Christian traditions are celebrated at the college, enriching the experience for Scholastic Peter and providing a deeper understanding of Kinnaird College’s rich Christmas traditions.

Following the play, we held a brief meeting with Dr Sammar Aroon, KCFS’ current advisor. It marked the first step toward formalising the relationship between LHRSC and KCFS and discussing initiatives to support Christian young women. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled in January to further develop and solidify the ties between LHRSC and KCFS.

The visit showcased the dedication of the students and faculty in organising such a meaningful celebration. It highlighted the energy and commitment of KCFS to proclaim the Good News in Pakistan through their performances. Moreover, it underscored the shared commitment to Christian values and the importance of creating a supportive community for young women. The visit opened a hopeful path for a fruitful and collaborative partnership between the Jesuits in Pakistan and KCFS, bringing with it the promise of a bright future for young Christian women in both communities.

The Author

Roma Shamshad serves as Administrative Assistant of Loyola Hall Research & Spirituality Center.

Share this article

More News

Subscribe to JCAP eNews

Stay Connected with the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific.

Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific will use the information you provide on this form to provide news and updates. Please tick the box below to confirm your subscription.

JCAP eNews

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at enews@jcapsj.org. We will treat your information with respect. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at enews@jcapsj.org. We will treat your information with respect. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

GDPR We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.