Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan is organized theological sessions for laity on different topics during March and May this year.
Spirituality of Passion Narratives
On 19 March, 2024 a seminar at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL) conducted by MAP. The topic of the seminar was “Spirituality of Passion Narratives”. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar (Directress-MAP) and Ms. Sunita Hameed (Incharge Education and Formation-MAP) gave lecture on the topic of “Spirituality of Passion Narratives”. During the session participants shared their views. Total 62 participants participated the session.
Sindh Visit: Theological Seminars
During the Sindh Visit theological seminars conducted by MAP, we were able to engage in the following manner.
- 1st May – Theme: Theology of Minority , led by Mr. Shamoon Gill at Immaculate conception Church, Kotri; joined by 170 members.
- 2nd May – Theme: Participation in Resurrection, led by Mr. Pervez Akbar at St. John the Apostle Church latifabad, Hyderabad; joined by 230 members.
- 5th May – Theme: Plight of the Poor , led by Mr. Riaz David at Joti Educational Centre, Mirpurkhas; joined by 168 members.
- 6th May – Theme: Steward of the Word , led by Master Khurram Shahzad at St. Francis Solanus Church, Nawabshah; joined by 110 members.
In total we were able to reach out to 678 faithful during the Theological Seminars.
Theological Seminars: Tribute to Fr. Emmauel Asi on his 50th Anniversary of Priestly Services
From 3 – 4 May, 2024 MAP conducted seminars to pay tribute t o Fr. Emmauel Asi on his 50th Anniversary (1974-2024) of Priestly Services. During these seminars speakers shared views on the books written by Fr. Emmanuel Asi on the following:
Christian Catechism and Praxis by Ms. Anila Saimon; Towards Mary-Like Mary by Mr. Naleem Adeel; Spirituality of Justice by Mr. Shamoon Gill; Daimi Ehad Bandi by Ms. Lubna Gulzar; Azeem Moman by Mr. Ishtiaq Gill; and Steward of the Word by Eleshma Dua.
During the seminars a live interview was conducted. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi shared during the interview about his early life, education and higher studies. He shared challenges difficulties during the period of 50 years of priesthood. He is committed for the empowerment of the laity and especially the women in the Pakistani context. Total 328 participants attended this program.
Bible Study Session
Bible Study for Parish Communities is one of a program of Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP). From January to May MAP started a one-year bible Study in collaboration with Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan (CBCP). The main theme of the bible study was “Formation in Faith”. In total 164 participants joined us for the Bible Study Sessions.
Sharing our House of Nazareth: Family, Creation, Fraternity
Art and Spirituality is one the regular program of MAP. Since the year 2000 MAP is organizing seminars on this topic. In these seminars the discussion is based on spirituality, mission life of different mystics of different religions. It is a best way to conduct interfaith dialogue and strengthen inter-cultural and ecumenical relations.
On 09 April, 2024 a seminar conducted on the spirituality of Little Brother Charles de Foucauld at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL). The topic of the seminar was “Sharing our House of Nazareth: Family, Creation, Fraternity”. Fraternity members Ms. Chanda Shamoon, Ms. Ashfa Shoukat and Ms. Ujala Ashiq shared their views on different aspects of Little Bro. St. Charles de Foucauld’s life. They shared about the life and message of his life, spiritual family of Charles de Foucauld and the Practical Side of the fraternity.
In the second half of the seminar Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar shared views on the topic of “Sharing our House of Nazareth: Family, Creation, Fraternity”. She shared that how Br. Charles present the spirituality and life of Nazareth and invites us how we can understand the spiritualty of Nazareth in our daily life. Total 40 Participants participated in the seminar.
Inspire Inclusion
On 21 March 2024 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Jurian, Distt. Hafizabad a seminar organized by Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP)-Women Theological Forum (WTF). The topic of the seminar was “Inspire Inclusion”. Ms. Sunita Hameed (Incharge-Formation and Education-MAP) was facilitator. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar (Directress-MAP) was resource person. Participants shared during the seminar. Total number of participants was 55.
The Rights of Universe
Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP)- Women Theological Forum (WTF) conducted a 4 days seminar from 24-27 April, 2024 at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL), G. T. Road Sadhoke, Distt Gujranwala. The theme of the seminar is “The Rights of Universe”. In the commencing session Ms. Sunita Hameed (Incharge Formation and Education-MAP) welcomed all participants and conducted introductory session.
Mrs. Sajida Pervez (Chief Coordinator-Women Theological Forum (WTF) presented introduction of WTF. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar (Directress-MAP) presented “Aims & Objectives” of the seminar.
The Speakers presented on : Intergity of Creation: A perspective from the Experience of Indigenous People by Mrs. Erum Waqas; God and Natural Disaster by Ms. Naureen Akhtar; The World in a Wafer: A Geography of the Eucharist as Resistance to Gobalization by Ms. Sunita Hameed; and The Loss and Recovery of Creation in Old Testament Theology by Ms. Sana Iqbal .
Participants actively shared their views by taking part in workshops and sharing during the sessions. They made posters of Pledge to save Earth. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi (Chairperson-MAP) shared views and appreciated the participants. The participants awarded with certificates of participation. Total 35 participants attended this seminar from different places of Pakistan including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Kotri, Betelhum Colony-Mirpurkhas, Jurian-Hafizabad, Lahore, Francisabad,-Gujranwala, Ghazi Menara-Sheikhupura, and MAP team from head office.
Upcoming program: June to August 2024
- Contextual Theology for Laity Online Session twice a month (Second and Fourth Saturday)
- Workshop: Women study Bible 9-12 June, 2024
- Father day celebration 16 June 2024
- Theological Capacity Building program 13-16 June 2024
- Publication of two theological books