Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

Thousands of faithful gathered to crown Mary at a parish of the Lahore archdiocese last month, bringing prayers for peace, forgiveness and restored cultural harmony in a region where some churches have suffered violent attacks.

Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw of Lahore presided at the May 30 Coronation Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in the city of Gujranwala, about 50 miles west of Lahore. The May Crowning drew a congregation of over 2,500 faithful, including several priests and religious.

Asif Nazir, a catechist and a member of the parish choir, reflected on the event. “When a part of the region is battling a constant fight between goodness and evil, terror and hatred, it is our strong faith and devotion that draws us to our dear Mother Mary the Queen of Peace, our protector to bring peace in our land,” Nazir told CNA June 11.

Fr. Francis Chaman, the parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, welcomed Archbishop Shaw. The archbishop in his homily thanked God for the gift of faith and for the devotion of the people. He underlined the virtues of the Virgin Mary and noted her obedience in saying “Yes” to God and accepting God’s will. Archbishop Shaw said Mary’s religious upbringing and her faithfulness to God have set an example for all humanity.

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