Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) Activities

ORIENTATION SESSION FOR SPEAKERS

On 8 January 2025, an Orientation session was conducted on Zoom for the speakers of Contextual Theology for Laity-Online Sessions. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi was the resource person. A total of 17 participants attended the online training session.

Coordinators meeting

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) conducted an online meeting with MAP Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators on 7 January 2026. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for their commitment and continued support in promoting the mission and activities of MAP.

The following key points were discussed:

  • Annual Membership
  • Contextual Theology for Laity – Online Session Membership
  • Annual Planner
  • Celebration of 37 Years of MAP Services

 

SEMINAR: PASCHAL MYSTERY

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP), in collaboration with Our Lady of Sorrows, Kasur, organized a seminar on 12 February 2026 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Latif Pura, Kasur.

The theme of the seminar was “Paschal Mystery.” The Paschal Mystery refers to the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ—the central mystery of the Christian faith through which humanity receives salvation and new life.

Ms. Sunita Hameed presented an introduction to MAP. The program began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Maqsood Nazir OMI. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar served as the resource person and explained the theological and spiritual significance of the Paschal Mystery in the life of believers.

The seminar concluded with gratitude and renewed spiritual inspiration among participants. A total of 70 participants from various cities and villages attended the seminar.

 

ONLINE SESSIONS: CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY FOR LAITY- JANUARY TO MARCH 2026

Contextual Theology for Laity-Online Sessions is a three-year project (2024 2026). Two evening sessions are conducted on Saturdays twice a month. The total registered members for the Online Sessions in 2026 are 45 from different cities of Pakistan and from Overseas, Dubai, California, USA, Kuwait. A total of 5 online sessions is conducted.

 

SEMINAR: SYNODAL CHURCH- COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, MISSION

MAP organized a seminar from 25–27 February 2026 at the Theological Institute for Laity (TIL) under the theme “Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.”

The seminar focused on the Final Document of the Bishops’ Synod, which MAP translated into Urdu (the national language) for the

formation of the laity. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar presented the aims and objectives of the seminar and highlighted the services and mission of MAP.

The following topics were presented:

  • Introduced the XVI Bishop Synod by Ms. Anila Simon
  • Accompanying note of the Holy Father, Pope Francis by Mr. Khurram Shahzad
  • The Heart of Synodality” (Called by the Holy Spirit to Conversion) by Ms. Maria Goretti Kiran
  • On the Boat, together: Conversation of Relationships by Master Pervez Akbar
  • Cast the Net by Sr. Rebecca James
  • An Abundant Catch (The conversation of Bonds) by Fr. Faryad Ansar
  • So, I send You” (Forming a people for Missionary Discipleship) & A Feast for All Peoples by Ms. Naureen Akhtar

Participants actively engaged in group discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, sharing insights and experiences that fostered dialogue, mutual learning, and collaboration in the spirit of a Synodal Church.

A plantation activity was also organized to promote the spirit of Laudato Si’ and care for our common home.

The seminar proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience, strengthening participants’ understanding of synodality and encouraging active participation in the life and mission of the Church. A total of 55 participants from different cities of Pakistan attended the seminar.

 

50TH CELEBRATION OF FR. EMMANUEL YOUSAF

MAP celebrated the 50th (1976-2026) Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf on 28 February 2026 at Theological Institute for Laity (TIL). He is serving as the vice Chairperson of MAP. It was a gesture to give tribute to Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf on his unforgotten service in Pakistan. MAP honored him by presenting a shield in recognition of his lifelong service and dedication.

 

37 Years (1989- 2026) SERVICES OF MAP

On 28th February 2026, MAP 37 years Jubilee was celebrated (1989-2026) Services of MAP. The chief guest was Mr. Shahzad BashirProject Coordinator Barnabas aid Pakistan. Thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf. Symbolically Jubilee candle was enlightened by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi (Chairperson MAP) and guests.

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 28 February 2026 at the MAP Head Office, Theological Institute for Laity (TIL), G.T. Road, Sadhoke, District Gujranwala. MAP friends, well-wishers, board members, coordinators, and members from different cities of Pakistan participated in the gathering.

During the meeting, MAP launched several important

publications and initiatives, including the MAP Annual Newsletter 2025, Annual Planner 2026, the book Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission, the Dictionary of Theology, and the MAP E-Book Store. Participation certificates were also awarded to students who completed the 2025 Contextual Theology for Laity Online Sessions.

The occasion further recognized dedicated service within MAP. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar was honored for 20 years of committed service, while Mr. Javeed Akhtar was recognized for 30 years of faithful contribution. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf, Vice Chairperson of MAP, presented commemorative shields as tokens of appreciation for their valuable dedication.

WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION : RIGHTS, JUSTICE, AND ACTION FOR ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS

MAP in collaboration with the Women Theological Forum (WTF), celebrated International Women’s Day on 17 March 2026 at the Theological Institute for Laity (TIL). The event brought together participants to reflect on women’s empowerment and rights. A candle was lit to honor and celebrate the dignity, strength, and valuable contributions of women.

Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar delivered a thoughtful and inspiring presentation on the theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls” within the Pakistani context. She highlighted the challenges faced by women in Pakistan, including limited access to education, social inequalities, and cultural barriers that often restrict women’s full participation in society.

Emphasizing the importance of justice, she called for equal opportunities and the protection of women’s fundamental rights in all spheres of life. Her presentation further reflected on the role of awareness,

education, and faith-based values in promoting dignity, respect, and equality for all women and girls. It served as a powerful reminder that sustainable change becomes possible when society stands united in supporting women’s rights and encouraging their active participation in national development.

The program concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold the rights, dignity, and equality of all women and girls. A total of 30 participants attended the program.

 

UPCOMING PROGRAM APRIL TO MAY 2026

  1. Contextual Theology for Laity online Sessions Twice a month
  2. Seminar: Participation in the Resurrection at Karachi 9 April 2026
  3. Catholic Writers in Pakistan 23 -24 April 2026
  4. Mother ‘s day celebration 10 May 2026
  5. Seminar: Participation in the Resurrection at Karachi 1 May 2026
  6. Seminar: Women Leaders in the Bible 2 May 2026

 

 

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