With the participation of some 180 young people from ten Lasallian schools in Pakistan, the 2025 Lasallian Youth Gathering took place in Faisalabad under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, in line with the Holy Year that in July brought together hundreds of Lasallians for the Youth Jubilee in Rome.
The gathering, held between 16 and 19 October, “was a remarkable celebration of faith, unity and transformation, to learn, reflect and live the true Lasallian spirit of faith, service and community”, said the organisers.
The opening on Thursday 16th marked the beginning of a memorable journey, with the presence of several Brothers of the Christian Schools and special guests, when the importance of the International Lasallian Days of Peace was also highlighted, a theme that marked each of the days, “reinforcing the shared global mission of peace and hope”.
Sharing hope
The second day focused on the “Message of Hope” delivered by Brother Peter Bray, through a presentation that deeply inspired all participants. During this day, the young delegates also participated in training workshops, interactive sessions and community service activities that allowed them to get closer to some peripheral realities – two orphanages: SOS Village and Dar-ul-Taskeen Mis-Haq Home, and a brick factory – which became spaces for spreading love, hope and solidarity with the underprivileged.
The training workshops were led by Brothers and Lay Lasallians, who addressed interesting topics related to the world of young people: Faith, service and community (Brother Qumar Iqbar); Building self-esteem and resilience (Athar Gulzar); Lasallian identity and leadership (Lydia Legg); Building peace, respect and inclusion (Nikky Chan); and Mental health and well-being (Lydia Legg).
On the third day of gathering, there were other stimulating training sessions on caring for our common home (Laudato si’), led by Nikky Chan; artificial intelligence, developed by Mourad Barsoum; and some global Lasallian perspectives that were shared by Brother Chris Patiño, General Councillor of the Institute, through an online conference.
Art for change
The meeting also offered opportunities to deepen Lasallian values through art, as the organisers explain: “The creative spirit of the youth shone brightly during the ‘Art for Change’ activity, where participants used art as a medium to express the Lasallian values of faith, service, peace, justice and hope, promoting change through creativity”.
Similarly, sport and culture marked some moments of the gathering, “with a lively football match for Young Lasallians and a vibrant Cultural Night, which showcased the diversity and unity of Pakistan’s heritage”.
The closing ceremony on Sunday, 19 October, was attended by Brothers Peter Bray, Sajid Bashir and Robin Mughal, who “expressed their gratitude and shared their reflections, while all the young people celebrated the bonds that had been created during the event”.
“The Lasallian Youth Gathering Pakistan 2025 truly embodied what it means to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, journeying together in faith, love and service to build a better world”, the organisers concluded.
* Article prepared in collaboration with Brother Robin Mughal and the Office of Vocations and Volunteer Ministry of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.