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Anniversary Celebration in Pakistan
250th Anniversary Celebration in Sargodha
Written by Sr Gretta Gill
On 8 November 2025, three communities in Punjab, Pakistan – Jhelum, Josephabad and Sarghoda gathered in Sarghoda to celebrate 250 years of our Congregation.
The opening prayer was led by Sr Farkhanda Talib from Josephabad. Sr Josepha Charles from Sarghoda welcomed Sr Anne Marie Codd, our Unit Leader who had come from Rawalpindi to celebrate with us. Sr Gretta Gill, the Unit Link person presented her with a bouquet of flowers while two Friends of Nano welcomed her with colourful garlands. The entire group moved to the garden in front of the convent for the planting of a fig tree to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Foundation of our Congregation.
Our Sarghoda group then moved to a beautifully decorated spot where Sr Anne Marie led the procession carrying the Easter candle followed by Nano’s lantern, the flag of Pakistan and Minar-e Pakistan, while all members walked in pairs – one with a lantern and the other with a card naming a value from Nano’s life, towards the hall where the rest of the program was to take place.
The hall was tastefully decorated with the Presentation Tree from 1775 to 2025 – highlighting in particular the years of opening the different convents in Pakistan and so many reminders of Nano and photos of present ministries. We had Nano’s humble beginning in Ireland on a screen as one of the Friends of Nano read a poem. This was followed by the history of Sarghoda Convent on power point. Friends of Nano dramatized how they are and the Sisters cooperate to help many people , now in all three locations. Nisha Francis who was acting as Nano recited a beautiful poem with great expression. Mrs Reena gave the history of Friends of
Nano, followed by a renewal by the Friends of their commitment to continue the good deeds which was then signed by them individually. Sr Anne Marie presented each of them with a St Benedict’s Cross which looked very much like our own Presentation emblem.
The closing ceremony was very solemn and meaningful as Nisha Francis entered the stage dressed as Nano with her lantern. The light followed her and became brighter and brighter as she came down from the stage she advised her Sisters saying, I had nothing only the love of God in my heart and a lantern in my hand. It’s your turn now to continue. She handed the lantern to Sr Anne Marie with two last sayings of Nano: Love one another and never forget the poor. The five Sisters opened the five doors of the hall, starting with Sr Anne Marie opening the middle door. All of the Friends of Nano went out to serve with their lanterns. Our program ended with Mass, the centre of Nano’s life and of our lives too.
Sr Gretta Gill thanked everyone. After Sr Anne Marie had shared her views, the traditional cake cutting took place and a delicious and well-deserved lunch was enjoyed by all.