UCA News
Contribute

Christmas monument erected on site of religious violence

The cross that stands for Christian resistance
Christmas monument erected on site of religious violence
Yaadgar-e-Calvary is now the tallest cross in the country
Published: January 06, 2013 10:24 PM GMT
Updated: January 06, 2013 05:52 PM GMT

The tallest cross in the country was unveiled over the holidays, in what Church leaders say is a sign of resistance against persecution.

Yaadgar-e-Calvary (Calvary Monument), a soaring 18-meter cement cross, is the tallest religious symbol of Christianity in this Muslim country, according to local news channels.  

“The new cross shouts that nothing can stop us from following our faith,” said Major Iftikhar Zahid, pastor of a local Salvation Army church.  

Unveiled on Christmas Eve, the structure took 10 months to complete and cost more than 975,000 rupees (US$10,000), provided by a Karachi-based real estate businessman, Haroon Gill.

“I hope it will inspire similar structures in other Christian localities,” he said.

Gill was among thousands of Christians in Shanti Nagar, a village in Punjab, whose families were attacked in 1997 by Muslim mobs after an alleged desecration of a Qu'ran.

The government later reconstructed 785 houses and all the four churches destroyed, but villagers observe the anniversary of the attacks each year and some signs still remain.

 “The attack is not mentioned on the plaque of Yaadgar-e-Calvary, which records village history,” pastor Zahid said. “It was a dark chapter, which should have never happened.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia