LAHORE - The Lahore Cathedral has always remained one of the most important architectural landmarks of the city. It holds special significance for Christians as it continues to be a living church with very active congregation. On Sunday evening a special service and a function was held at the Cathedral to mark 128 years of its existence. It was also St Paul’s Day and marked the completion of Octave of Christian Unity (the week starting from 18 to 25th January. The occasion also marked the 25 years of service of the very Rev Shahid Mehraj, Dean of Lahore Cathedral, in the Lahore Cathedral.
A three-hour thanksgiving service was held at the Cathedral, which after the processional hymn began with the lighting of silver jubilee/ peace candle. The service was attended by heads of all denominations of Christians, heads of Christian organisations and institutions, members of the clergy, members of the Parish Council, Catholic Archbishop of Lahore Rt Rev Sebastian Shah and a large number of Christians from all walks of life. Bishop of Lahore (Emeritus) Dr Alexander John Malik gave sermon on the occasion while final prayer and benediction was given by Bishop of Lahore Irfan Jamil.
On the occasion a book on the services of Rev Shahid Mehraj was also launched. The book carries information about his pastoral ministry. Rev Shahid has played a remarkable role in the protection of Christian properties and also represented the Christians in the historic case in the Supreme Court last year about the rights of minorities.
The diocese of Lahore was created in 1877. It was carved out of the Diocese of Calcutta and Bombay. It was very large at the time considering all that is now Pakistan, and also Delhi and the rest of the Punjab and Kashmir. It was the vision of Thomas Valpy French, the first bishop of Lahore in 1877, that construction of Lahore Cathedral (formally called Cathedral Church of the Resurrection) was started. The Cathedral was consecrated on January 25rd in 1877.