By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: At a time when divisions too often define societies, St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi offered a powerful counter-narrative—a celebration of faith, unity, and shared humanity. The institution, renowned for its commitment to inclusivity, marked the Feast of St. Patrick with a remarkable interfaith Iftar, bringing together students, faculty, and staff from Christian, Muslim, and Hindu communities. In an atmosphere of mutual respect and reverence, the event underscored the school’s mission to foster harmony and understanding across religious and cultural lines.
The evening unfolded with a blend of sacred expressions. Students filled the hall with the melodic echoes of hymns, an homage to St. Patrick’s enduring spiritual legacy. In an equally moving gesture, Muslim students responded with Naats, offering their own devotional recitations in praise of the Prophet Muhammad. It was a moment that transcended religious boundaries, binding the school community in a shared reverence for faith and tradition. The event was also marked by heartfelt prayers for Pakistan, for the school, and for the collective well-being of those gathered, a reminder that hope and unity can be nurtured even in times of uncertainty.
A special tribute was paid to the Muslim staff of the school, with a Nazm dedicated to their contributions and steadfast dedication. The gesture was more than symbolic—it was a reaffirmation of St. Patrick’s longstanding ethos of respect and appreciation for all members of its community. In an age where differences are often amplified, the school’s quiet but profound commitment to inclusion shone through.
As the Azaan for Maghrib prayer signaled the breaking of the fast, students and teachers—irrespective of their faith—sat together, sharing a meal that was far more than just food. It was an act of solidarity, an assertion that compassion, generosity, and unity are not bound by religious affiliations. In that moment, the labels of Christian, Muslim, and Hindu blurred, giving way to something more profound—a community bound by shared values and mutual respect.
Beyond the interfaith dialogue, the evening also served as an occasion to honor the school’s long-serving staff. In a ceremony filled with gratitude, those who had dedicated 25 years to St. Patrick’s were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to education and the institution’s mission. Their service, a cornerstone of the school’s success, was acknowledged with well-deserved appreciation, a testament to the legacy they continue to build.
Speaking at the occasion, the school’s principal, Rev. Fr. Mario Angelo Rodrigues, encapsulated the spirit of the evening with a simple but powerful message: “This event is a true reflection of the values we uphold at St. Patrick’s. It is a blessing to see our students and staff come together in the spirit of love and respect. Whether we are Christian, Muslim, or Hindu, above all, we are Pakistanis. Our school has always stood as a beacon of peace and unity, and we will continue to nurture these values in our students and faculty.”
His words carried the weight of history, a reminder that St. Patrick’s has long stood as more than just an academic institution—it is a space where the idea of Pakistan as a diverse yet united nation is realized. As the evening drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie lingered, a quiet but resolute reminder of what is possible when people choose understanding over division. The Feast of St. Patrick 2025 will be remembered not just as an annual school celebration, but as a statement of faith in the power of unity. In a city and a country that has often wrestled with its diversity, St. Patrick’s High School offered a different vision—one where faith is not a cause for division, but a bridge that brings people together.
