St. Luke’s Karachi

History of St. Luke’s Parish
Baldia Town, Karachi, Pakistan

St. Luke’s Parish is one of the parishes of the Archdiocese of Karachi, Pakistan. The Oblates were offered this mission in 2006. Three energetic Oblates namely Rev. Fr. Khaliq Saleem OMI (parish priest), Rev. Fr. Rukmano OMI (assistant) and Deacon Mukhtar Alam OMI pioneered this mission. Since then a number of Oblate priests, deacons and brothers have been serving the Lord and His faithful with full zeal and zest. Keeping in mind the Charism of their Founder St. Eugene de Mazenod, all have made the efforts to let the Good News of God’s immense love be preached to the poor and the most abandoned. At present, three Oblate priests are serving the parish namely Rev. Fr. Mukhtar Alam OMI (parish priest), Rev. Fr. Gasper James OMI and Rev. Fr. Naeem Yousaf OMI (assistants).
St. Luke’s Parish has 13 small and big out stations with the capacity of 1750 Catholic families, approximately. The Oblates are involved in teaching and preaching mission of Christ, wholeheartedly. The parish has also four schools and among them two are administrated by the parish priest. Thus, among the top priorities, the Oblates see to the education of the children and faith formation of the faithful.
The Oblates have participatory spirit in the parish, thus, have organized many lay-groups in the parish like Church Committee, Christian Basic Community, Sunday School, Altar Servers, Lectors, Choir, Youth, Security (Peace Enforcers), Legion of Mary and Bazm-e- Rooh Duaia Shifaia group. All the groups work hard, voluntarily with the Parish Pastoral Team to bring new life in the parish.
Besides the pastoral care of St. Luke’s Parish, the Oblates are entrusted with the pastoral care ofBaluchistan Mission, a part of Quetta Vicariate. The Oblates offer pastoral services to the three substations namely Hub Chowki, Sonmiani and Vinder.
As Oblates of Mary Immaculate their focus remains on promoting Marian Devotion in the parish. The group, Legion of Mary (Lushkar e- Mariam) is very active and plays avital role to promote Marian Devotion by visiting the families and reciting Rosary with them at their homes. The Oblates initiated the Novena Prayers and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each year, they organize Marian pilgrimage, Ziarat-e- Muqadsa Mariam, in which a big number of people participate. People are inspired and admire the Oblate spirituality.
Thus, the Oblates continue the Mission of Christ with full pastoral commitment for the spiritual growth and faith formation of the people of God for the glory of his great Name.