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5188(I)_The Salesians follow the cause of Akash Bashir, Bosconian and Martyr

The Family of Akash Bashir receives Statue of Mary Help of Christians from Rector Major

September 1, 2019

Lahore, Pakistan 31 August 2019 -- During the recent visit of the Salesian Missiosn Councillor, Fr Guillermo Basañes, to our Salesian communities in Quetta and Lahore, special attention was given to the family of our Bosconian, Akash Bashir (+ 15 March 2015) in Youhannabad parish in Lahore archdiocese.

One more goal of Fr Guillermo's animation visit was to personally greet the family of Akash Bashir, the 20-year-old Past Pupil of Don Bosco Lahore, who died on 15 March 2015 while serving as a security guard in St. John's Parish, Youhanabbad, Lahore. Akash gave his life in martyrdom that day, preventing a man with explosives from immolating himself inside the parish where hundreds of people were celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass. To avoid the impact of the blast, Akash bravely hugged the terrorist and died saving the lives of all those who were praying inside the church.

Fr. Guillermo Basañes dedicated the afternoon of his last day of visit in Lahore to talk with the Bashir family and hand over from the Rector Major Fr Ángel Fernández, a statue of Mary Help of Christians sent from Turin as a sign of respect and appreciation for the life and martyrdom of Akash Bashir. The family received the statuette and blessings of Fr Ángel with great joy.

The Missions Councilor was also able to visit St. John's Parish and recognize the exact location of the martyrdom of the young Salesian ex-pupil. He also visited the monument dedicated to his martyrdom and finally prayed at his tomb.

The Salesians in Pakistan united with Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, give thanks for Akash Bashir's life because he not only represents our Salesian alumni, but also all the youth of religious minorities in Muslim countries. His martyrdom and heroics are a pride for the Pakistani Catholic community and Salesians as well.