PAKISTAN New Karachi Archbishop Stresses Church Renewal, Role Of Laity

KARACHI, Pakistan (UCAN) -- Archbishop Evarist Pinto, who was installed as head of the archdiocese Feb. 22, emphasized renewal when he later held a "meet the people" program at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Karachi, 1,150 kilometers south of Islamabad.

"The times call for a renewal of the Church at all levels -- in the liturgy, catechesis, communications, common life, parish communities and family life," said Archbishop Pinto. He also spoke of a common vision for the archdiocese aimed at renewal "in our apostolate, education, interreligious dialogue, media and so forth."

The prelate, a respected theologian, later told UCA News, "We need to take steps to renew the spiritual life of the clergy and the people of God."

Archbishop Pinto, 70, was ordained auxiliary bishop of Karachi in April 2000 and appointed apostolic administrator in November 2002, when Archbishop Simeon Pereira retired. Pope John Paul II appointed him archbishop on Jan. 5.

In his homily at the installation Mass, Archbishop Pinto said the laity "have a vocation and place in the Church" and are not "something extra." He explained, "Together with their pastors, laity serve as catechists, religion teachers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and prayer and healing ministers."

He nevertheless recognized that clergy and Religious "have a special place, a particular call and a heavy responsibility to update themselves, to learn and to reflect so as to lead the flock of God effectively."

Speaking to UCA News the archbishop said there is a need to strengthen the various archdiocesan commissions set up after the archdiocese introduced strategic planning a couple of years ago.