Bishops have resolved to remind their parishioners that evangelizing is as important as providing humanitarian aid.

“Unfortunately, we are not preaching the Good News; we are focusing too much on social services,” said Evarist Pinto, the archbishop of Karachi . “It is time to re-think our mission and consider what the Church expects from us.”

The prelate was speaking at last weekend’s inaugural Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, which was held to usher in the Year of Mission and Evangelization. The Pontifical Mission Societies have chosen “Duc In Altum” – Put Out Into The Deep –  as the theme for the 12-month program of activities.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra concelebrated the liturgy with three bishops and 43 priests. The archbishop then kindled a symbolic lamp before reading a message from Pope Benedict XVI.

“I am proud of all Christians for the way they witness in Pakistan, a very difficult place to live,”  the message read. It went on to call for a renewed commitment from the faithful to proclaim the Gospel in the “tough environment where the name of Christ is being whispered softly.”

Participants at a planning workshop for the program, which took place earlier in the week, were eager to talk about the challenges and risks of evangelizing in Pakistan’s current climate.

“There is no freedom to speak about any religion other than Islam,” was the concern voiced most often. Terrorism, fundamentalism, discrimination and injustice were among the other challenges encountered.

Bishop Max Rodrigues of Hyderabad also acknowledged the difficulties. There are presently 12 Islamic channels available on TV, while a Capuchin priest in Lahore archdiocese is running the country’s only Catholic TV service on a cable network. But the bishop pointed out that, generally, radio and television cannot be used for evangelizing, although they are able to spread their message via the internet.

Father Mario Rodrigues, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, summed up the mood of the gathering when he said, “Still we must take the risks, go out and evangelize to make our country a better place.”

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