Joti Educational and Cultural Center, or as it is usually called, “Joti Center,” is the catechetical center for the diocese of Hyderabad, Pakistan. Joti, or its proper spelling, Jyoti, is the Sanskrit word for “light,” so hints at the importance of light as a reality and as a symbol in all religious practices. It was started in 1992, and over the years, the Joti Center team created and published catechesis materials for schools and parishes in Urdu, Sindhi and Parkari Kohli. The Joti staff also visits schools and parishes and gave training to catechists, teachers and active lay people.
I was appointed director in 2017, and it is my main ministry. As the diocesan catechetical center, Joti should, in theory at least should have an important role to play in the life of the diocese, especially in faith formation and catechesis. Every effort is made in all programs resourced by Joti Center itself; that the input given is holistic and integrated. It is also from the perspective of PMU mission priorities, JPIC IRD, inculturation and formation, in this case that of the laity. Also, program content is strong on Catholic Social Teaching, especially recent encyclicals by Pope Francis.
A brief description of two recent programs:
In October there was an in-service training program for religion teachers in the diocesan schools, plus Sunday School teachers. Fifty-five people attended. Through input, creative actives, drama, song, and music, teachers were given knowledge and skills to enable them to better form people in the faith.
In November we helped an Advent Preparation Day, where sixty-plus lay people from various parishes in the diocese attended. Again, through word, song and creative activities people learned more about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. The main activity was an activity based on the Jesse tree, where the story of creation, and our salvation history was played out. Hopefully, such moments do enact a little of Joti Center's vision which seeks to provide an integrated and holistic catechesis, to enable people to grow in their faith, a faith that is informed and deepened through prayer, reflection and input, which motivates people to transform themselves and others.
Catechesis, at its best is also practical, it seeks “to make the word flesh.” Joti Center does that by facilitating a medical outreach to rural villages. It started as part of the response to destructive flooding during the Summer and Autumn of 2022.
The outreach does not discriminate and patients include Christian, Hindu and Muslim, and especially the low caste Tribal Peoples including Parkari Kohli, Kutchi Kohli, Sindhi Bheel, and Marwari, who suffer the most discrimination. This medical outreach program continues two days a week. The team consists of Dr. Partab Puri, nurses Br. Walfred Mohan ofm, Ms. Nazia Ashiq, plus dispenser Mr. Jibran Seraphine. It provides basic medical care to people who otherwise not receive it.