COLOMBO PROVINCE

THE DELEGATION OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan, a Muslim-majority nation of approximately 250 million people, is home to a resilient Christian community of 3.3 million, including nearly 1.5 million Catholics. The Oblate mission in Pakistan began with a bold missionary step taken in 1971 by the then-Provincial of Sri Lanka, Fr. Lucien Schmitt, OMI. Following an invitation from Bishop Benedict Cialeo, OP, three pioneering Sri Lankan Oblates—Fr. Lester Silva, Fr. Job Basil Silva, and Fr. Theogenes Joseph—arrived in the country on February 14, 1971, beginning their journey in the parish of Gojra within the Diocese of Faisalabad.

Humble Beginnings & Pastoral Advocacy

The first Oblates immersed themselves in the local culture, dedicating their first months to intensive Urdu language studies before being assigned to various parishes. From the outset, they embraced the core Oblate charism: seeking out the most abandoned and marginalized members of society.

By prioritizing the "voice of the voiceless," the Oblates provided more than just spiritual guidance; they offered a prophetic presence that brought hope, encouragement, and basic rights—such as education and essential facilities—to oppressed communities, affirming their dignity as children of God.

Humble Beginnings & Pastoral Advocacy

The first Oblates immersed themselves in the local culture, dedicating their first months to intensive Urdu language studies before being assigned to various parishes. From the outset, they embraced the core Oblate charism: seeking out the most abandoned and marginalized members of society.

By prioritizing the "voice of the voiceless," the Oblates provided more than just spiritual guidance; they offered a prophetic presence that brought hope, encouragement, and basic rights—such as education and essential facilities—to oppressed communities, affirming their dignity as children of God.

Missionary Expansion

The impact of the Oblate mission soon resonated across the country. Through their radical witness and commitment to literacy, social development, and financial empowerment, other dioceses began inviting the Oblates to serve their faithful. Over the following decades, the mission expanded from Faisalabad into the dioceses of Multan, Lahore, Hyderabad, and Karachi.

A significant milestone occurred in the Balochistan region:

  • The Quetta Mission: Entrusted to the Oblates in 1982, the mission flourished under the leadership of Fr. Victor Gnanapragasam, OMI.

  • Ecclesiastical Growth: In 2001, Pope John Paul II established the Apostolic Prefecture of Quetta, naming Fr. Victor as its first Prefect. By 2010, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the region to an Apostolic Vicariate, appointing Fr. Victor Gnanapragasam, OMI, as its first Apostolic Vicar, marking a historic era of growth for the Church in Pakistan.

The Delegation Today

As of 2026, the Delegation of Pakistan is a mature and vibrant missionary body characterized by its deep focus on pastoral ministry, education, and the integral development of Catholics living on the margins.

The Delegation has achieved significant self-reliance and vitality, evidenced by:

  • Vocational Growth: A steady increase in local vocations, with eight Pakistani Oblates ordained between 2020 and 2025.

  • Global Missionary Service: Pakistani Oblates are now serving not only within their own borders but also in missions abroad, contributing to the global Oblate family.

  • Current Presence: With nearly 50 Oblates currently serving in the Delegation, the mission continues to thrive in its formation houses and parishes.

Faithful to the legacy of St. Eugene de Mazenod, the Oblates in Pakistan remain committed to standing in solidarity with the poor and proclaiming the Gospel with renewed apostolic zeal.