Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) Activities Update from June to September 2024
ONLINE SESSIONS: CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY FOR LAITY- JUNE TO AUGUST 2024
Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) held a Contextual Theology for Laity-Online Sessions, a three-year project (2024-2026). The sessions are conducted on Saturday evening twice a month. The total registered members for the Online Sessions in 2024 are 60 from Pakistan, Australia, Dubai, Rome, Italy and California. A total of 6 online sessions are conducted on different theological topics.
THEOLOGICAL CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM (TCBP)
A Live-In program on Theological Capacity Building Program (TCBP) was held at the Theological Institute for Laity (TIL) from June 13-16, 2024. The theme of the TCBP was “Theology, Feminism and Society”. TCBP is an annual program of MAP.
During the four-day program the following topics were shared by the speakers: Revelation: In many ways and in various forms by Fr. Emmanuel Asi, Feminism in Isaiah by Ms. Sana Iqbal, Perpetual Covenant by Fr. Maqsood Nazir, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Mutual Respect by Mr. Mushtaq Asad, and Synodality: Women’s Status by Mrs Alishbah Javed Akhtar.
The speakers conducted workshops on various topics. The arising points by the participants were discussed during the workshop and shared through presentations. The participants also visited historical sites, including the shrine of Hazrat Peer Syed Warish Shah and the native village of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi, Chairperson of MAP. A thanksgiving Eucharistic mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Almas John, Parish Priest at St. Xavier Parish in Hafizabad.
We also celebrated Father’s Day during TCBP, and participants received certificates at the end of the program. Total 73 participants, including men and women from various places in Pakistan, attended the sessions.
LIVING OUT OUR FAITH AS THE ECOLOGICAL CHURCH
Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) always provides opportunities to the members to learn on a Border scale. MAP and LISA-CAREJ jointly organised a four-part training course entitled “LIVING OUT OUR FAITH AS THE ECOLOGICAL CHURCH”. The first session was organised on 25 July 2024. The discussion centred around “The Global Climate Emergency.” Ms. Geraldine Clare Westwood (Malaysia) was the resource person. Mr. Danish Yaqoob (Pakistan) shared his views on “Climate Change Impact in Pakistan”. Ms. Aania Javed Akhtar from Pakistan expressed her insights on the “Impact of Climate Change in Pakistan: A Personal Experience.”. Aania is a student of Standard ninth and has a great interest in Nature. Participants enthusiastically exchanged their perspectives. The session was attended by participants from Pakistan, Germany, Malaysia and the Philippines.
BIBLE STUDY SESSION
Bible Study for Parish Communities is one of the MAP’s programs. MAP Sadhoke group co-hosted a Bible Study Session on August 9, 2024, at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL). G. T. Road Sadhoke, Distt. Gujranwala – Pakistan. The central theme of the Bible Study was “Formation in Faith” with a focus on Mary, Mother of Jesus.” Ms. Ashfa Shoukat (Assistant Coordinator- Sadhoke group) served as the speaker.
FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY
On August 14, 2024, Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) conducted a Flag Hoisting ceremony at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL), G. T. Road Sadhoke, Distt. Gujranwala to celebrate Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.
ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND SPIRITUALITY
On August 14, 2024, a seminar titled “Ecological Education and Spirituality” was hosted by MAP at TIL, Sadhoke. Four speakers shared their personal experiences on how everyone can help protect nature, which is our shared home, and it is our responsibility to give back to the environment. Nature is balanced and is giving us a life and resources to fulfil our needs. At the end of the discussion, participants shared their views on training children in ecological education and spirituality. They felt it is our duty for our coming generations to live in a healthy environment. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar, (Directness – MAP), concluded the session and shared her views.
A book titled “Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home” was launched at the seminar. National songs were sung, and a tableau on national songs was presented. Total 75 people attended the session.*
