Columban Fr Dan O'Connor (right) with the Parkari Kohli community at Christmas time in Pakistan. Photo: Fr Dan O'Connor SSC
During my one-week Christmas exposure, I got the opportunity to visit some slum areas in the Karachi Diocese, Sindh province, with Columban Fr Dan O’Connor who ministers to the Catholic communities there.
We began in Bhains Colony, Malir, where we visited St Bernadette’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Churches. This was followed by a visit to the Parkari Kohli communities at St Thomas’ and St Joseph’s Churches and the Gari Bit school. We then travelled to various villages, including the Baharo village. I had the privilege of experiencing the rich faith and culture of the Catholic community. Let me share some of the experiences and insights I gained during that meaningful journey.
The journey began at the Joti Centre, from where Columban Fr Tomás King drove me to Hyderabad. Along the way, we discussed the names of new places and enneagram personality types, making the trip enjoyable and enriching. In Hyderabad, I visited for the first time Columban Fr Liam O’Callaghan’s ministry of Justice, Peace, Ecology and Inter-religious Dialogue. Afterwards, I travelled with Fr Liam by train to the city of Karachi. This train journey was eye-opening as we interacted with Muslim boys and saw fields, green foliage and small villages. However, we also saw polluted water, degraded earth and dying animals, which deeply saddened me. These sights made me reflect on the harm our lifestyles have caused to the environment. They reminded me that caring for the poor and protecting the earth are interconnected responsibilities.
Arriving in Karachi, I travelled with Fr Dan to a village to celebrate Christmas Mass. Although many moments were memorable, a few stood out, such as the ceremony of welcoming baby Jesus. The parishioners creatively celebrated Christmas by lighting the Advent candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. A family with children stood before the altar. The youth served at the altar. There was a choir and scripture readers and you could sense the community’s active participation. This inclusivity beautifully symbolised the true meaning of Christmas, as they welcomed the arrival of baby Jesus through acts of love, offering their gifts and talents in the celebration of the Eucharist.
During Mass, Fr Dan sprinkled holy water on the congregation as he, in turn, invited them to bless him too. Afterwards, he invited the children to gather around the manger so he could explain the roles of the kings, shepherds and animals. The children brought their own small figures, making the Christmas story more relatable and exciting for them.
In the cold breeze, we shared a simple yet heartwarming Christmas meal. Large pots of rice with yellow beans, along with sweets, were served. About 50 of us, both children and adults, shared the food, using our hands and eating together from shared plates. Seeing their smiles and warmth revealed the essence of friendship and gratitude. This experience reminded me to count God‘s blessings and be grateful for what we have.
On our visit to Baharo village, I was filled with joy at the sight of the many children and animals, including sheep and goats, as well as the farms with chilli, eggplant, pumpkin and bell peppers. It was a beautiful example of village life and hard work. I was warmly welcomed with Pakistani tea, roti, chicken and vegetable curry. These simple acts of hospitality met my needs and left a lasting impression.
Through these experiences, I learned profound lessons about friendship, gratitude and the true spirit of Christmas. This journey was more than just a Christmas celebration - it was an opportunity to grow in understanding, faith, culture and compassion. The life of simplicity I learned from the people of God on this journey will stay with me as I strive to live with greater awareness of the needs of internally displaced people who live closely with polluted water and a grieving Mother Earth.
After returning from the villages, Fr Dan and I visited the Christian compound beside the Monastery of the Angels. We brought Christmas gifts, including various toys for the children and the disabled. Later, carrying water in a basket on the groaning wheel, watering the small trees and planting two more trees, gave me a sense of stewardship and responsibility for our common home.
Staying at the Monastery of the Angels was a blessing. The Sisters provided Christmas cake and a safe shelter, adding further joy to my journey. On Christmas Eve, I visited slum villages outside Karachi, witnessing the harsh realities of life there. I also took a solo train journey from Karachi to Mirpur Khas, encountering some challenges along the way. Questions arose in my mind: Why are the carcasses of dead animals left to rot on the roads and spread noxious smells? Does our health not hold the same importance as our cultural values? What do people think about this?
Columban student Nhkum Zau Mai Peter is on his First Mission Assignment in Pakistan.
Listen to "A heartwarming Christmas experiences in Pakistan"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - November/December 2025
