About Fr. Lazar Aslam, OFM Cap

Fr. Lazar Aslam, OFM Cap, is a Roman Catholic priest belonging to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, serving within the Mariam Siddeeqa Capuchin General Custody in Pakistan, under the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lahore, Punjab.

Formally educated in theology and philosophy, his life and vocation serve as a testament to compassion, faith, and a tireless commitment to building bridges of hope and peace. His ministry spans a wide spectrum of service — from administering the sacraments and celebrating Holy Mass, to catechizing Christian healthcare professionals and organizing seminars on interfaith harmony. He is deeply involved in humanitarian work, supporting persecuted Christians and leading peace initiatives as a prominent human rights advocate.

As a prolific writer, Fr. Lazar uses his literary work to raise awareness of social and spiritual issues — including his published book Building Bridges: Immigrants, Refugees, the Church, and the Bible (available on Amazon), with further titles forthcoming: The Healing Hand of God, Unsung Heroes, and Being Touched by the Cross.

His work has been featured by Libre Media (France), EWTN Global Catholic Network (Rome), UCA News, Vatican News, Agenzia Fides, AsiaNews, ACN Germany, 7Margens (Portugal), and Christian Voices.

A Journey of Humble Service

"This is what I want, this is what I seek, this is what I long to do with all my heart!" — St. Francis of Assisi

The story of Fr. Lazar Aslam, a Franciscan Capuchin priest serving in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore, Pakistan, is a profound testament to the power of a life surrendered to God's will. Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, his journey reflects a deep-seated desire to find Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and to encourage others to do the same.

Fr. Lazar's story began on January 1, 1986. Raised in a loving Catholic family in Pakistan, his vocation was nurtured between two spiritual pillars: the Eucharist and devotion to Our Lady. He completed his matriculation on June 14, 2003, already carrying the conviction of a higher calling — strengthened by the love, sacrifices, and prayers of his parents and siblings.

That desire was first whispered by God in the second grade. As he learned of Jesus' immense love, he surrendered his life to His Lordship, constantly asking how he might become a true servant of the Master. Throughout middle school and early high school, a religious vocation remained at the forefront of his heart — but it was a providential encounter that solidified his path: Fr. Arnold Ferrer, an elderly American Dominican priest serving in Pakistan, visited Lazar's home in a Muslim town. After celebrating the Holy Eucharist and sharing a meal, Lazar reached his final decision: he would become a priest to serve the people of God, moved by Fr. Arnold's sacrifice of leaving his country, parents, and friends to save souls in a foreign land.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, Lazar studied the life of St. Francis of Assisi and, finding a kindred spirit in the Poverello's relationship with God and fellowship with all creation, joined the Franciscan Capuchins. He made his Solemn Profession on September 18, 2015, at St. Francis Church, Kot Lakhpat, and was ordained a priest on April 8, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, celebrating his Thanksgiving Mass on April 16, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sahiwal.

Reflecting on the Gospel of John, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (Jn 15:16), Fr. Lazar continues to share light and truth with the world, cherishing life as a precious gift from the Creator.

Praised be Jesus Christ.

Franciscan Footsteps: Justice, Peace & Solidarity

Ordained to the priesthood on April 16, 2016, Fr. Lazar has spent a decade embodying the Franciscan Rule of life through obedience and radical service. His ministry began in formation, where he served as a Formator, guiding the next generation of friars. His pastoral heart quickly led him to the margins, where he became a voice for the voiceless. He has been a tireless advocate for:

Bonded Laborers: Establishing schools, sewing centres, and social support systems for brick kiln workers and their families.

Marginalized Communities: Organizing free medical camps and educational initiatives for tribal people and those living in remote rural parishes.

Justice and Protection: Providing legal and pastoral assistance to victims of religious persecution, forced conversions, and the abuse of vulnerable women and children.

Prison Ministry: Offering spiritual and material support to those incarcerated, ensuring their human dignity is upheld.

Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism

Living in a Muslim-majority context, Fr. Lazar has been a practitioner of interfaith dialogue since his youth. His ministry is defined by the prayer "Lord, let them be one," as he works to foster ecumenical unity among Christian denominations and build bridges of understanding with his Muslim neighbors, teachers, and colleagues.

The Franciscan Charism

Through both word and deed, Fr. Lazar Aslam continues to demonstrate the true spirit of the Capuchin Franciscan charism — preaching through presence, establishing the Kingdom of God by standing in solidarity with the poor and working toward a world of peace, justice, and solidarity.

Centred on the mission entrusted to him by Jesus Christ, Fr. Lazar believes that while the path of discipleship is rarely easy, nothing is impossible when sustained by God's strength. He seeks to labour alongside his community to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, echoing St. Francis of Assisi:

"I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours!"

Who is Fr. Lazar Aslam, OFM Cap?

A Journey of Humble Service

Franciscan Footsteps: Justice, Peace & Solidarity

Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism

The Franciscan Charism

In the press