Picture: L-R. Srs, Yoonmi, Rebecca and Anne Carbon with Cardinal Coutts at his Golden Jubilee celebration in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
We, Columban Sisters, congratulate Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, Pakistan who on Pakistan Day, March 23rd 2025 received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, one of the country’s top honours at the behest of President Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, during a ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of the country’s independence.
This is an annual ceremony that recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional contributions to the nation. Cardinal Coutts who became Cardinal in 2018, was recognised for his commitment to interfaith harmony among various religious communities and for promoting social welfare and minority rights. President Zardari commented that ‘His service to humanity and his role in bringing different faiths together is an inspiration for all Pakistanis.’ The motto he chose for his episcopal coat of arms was Harmony and so in receiving this award, we see that he lived his motto to the full.
This is a cause of great joy for all Christians in Pakistan and we, Columban Sisters, hold a special place for him in our hearts as he was our Bishop on arrival to Pakistan in 1990 and like a Shepherd welcomed, initiated us and got us established in mission in his Diocese of Hyderabad, Sindh. To him we are eternally grateful.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Mubarak and May the Lord bless you abundantly.
By Sr Rebecca Conlon