A Light That Continues to Shine: Our Story in Pakistan
Pakistan is an Islamic country and a developing (third-world) nation in South Asia. Islam is the dominant religion, and the country was founded on Islamic principles. At the same time, Pakistan is home to people of other faiths, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others, who live together with mutual respect, often while facing social challenges, discrimination, and economic hardship, especially among minority communities.
Pakistan has a population of approximately 240 million people. Christians form a small minority, around 2–3% of the population, yet they continue to serve society with commitment and faith, particularly through education, healthcare, and social service.
Okara is a district located in the Punjab Province of eastern Pakistan. It is largely an agricultural region where families depend on farming, daily labour, and small skills to survive. Within Okara lies Village Chak No. 6/4.L, a community of nearly 10,000 people. The village is made up of simple, hardworking families who face poverty, limited educational opportunities, and a lack of access to skill-based training, especially for children, women, and youth.
This village was deeply shaped by the life and mission of Fr. Amato, a Dominican priest from Italy. Fr. Amato planted the first seeds of education, dignity, and hope in our community. He believed education was not only about books, but about freedom, confidence, and human dignity. He dedicated his entire life to serving the people of the village, particularly those who were poor, forgotten, or vulnerable, including children and families.
Fr. Amato passed away on 1 May 2021, but his spirit remains alive among us. He was a light to our village and always taught us that our lives, too, must become light for others.
I grew up in this same village in a family of seven children, born to Mr. Francis and Ms. Francis Iqbal Babi—simple, hardworking parents who were deeply faithful, kind, and generous in heart. Along with my six siblings, I learned early the values of sacrifice, compassion, and living a life of service. Our family life was shaped by struggle, especially as my brother Michael, a very special and deeply loved member of our family, lives with Parkinson’s disease. His condition required sacrifices from all of us and taught us patience, responsibility, and unconditional love.
To start my education path, I needed to work from a young age. During the cold winter months of January, when many people refused to work in the fields, I worked to earn money to pay my school fees. In the hot summer, I collected firewood from the forest to help support my family and ease the burden on my parents. These experiences shaped my heart and gave me a deep understanding of poverty, dignity, and the transforming power of education.
From Fr. Amato and from my own journey, I have learned that every human life is like a lit candle—not meant to be hidden, but meant to shine for others. This is also the basis of the AMDG Community Association, inspired by St Mary MacKillop, who herself faced great hardship and resistance yet stood firm in faith. Like her, my own journey has not been easy, but with perseverance and the help of good people, the mission continues to grow.
At the very core of everything that is happening today stems from what Mr Paul and Mrs Anne began five years ago. Mrs Anne passed to her heavenly reward four years ago, and Mr Paul has continued to support and to care. His love, trust, encouragement, and constant support have been the strength that allowed this mission, that is AMDG, to continue when, before, the path felt uncertain. Without his faith in this vision, this work would not have been possible. His generosity and quiet commitment remain central to all that we do.
I also offer my special thanks to Mr Simon Morris, with whom I first shared this dream and who helped me shape it in a more organised and structured way, leading to the formation of the MacKillop Foundation. I am deeply grateful also to Mr Christian, Ms Francisca, Miss Azal Roshani, and all our members and supporters for their prayers, love, and generous support.
Today, AMDG continues Fr. Amato’s dream in small but meaningful ways: supporting children’s education, teaching English and basic computer skills, helping boys from broken families learn tailoring and practical skills, and supporting women to learn stitching and earn a dignified income. We are firm in the belief that these small works will have a lasting effect and will break the cycle of poverty.
Our work is guided by the Gospel words of Jesus:
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Inspired by these words, by the life of Fr. Amato, and by the unwavering support of those who walk with us, AMDG continues to serve the poor, uphold human dignity, and share light where it is most needed—believing always that light shared is light multiplied.
Gloria Francis
