Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Awali (Agenzia Fides) - "We come to Bethlehem grotto to present our needs and praises. We look for blessing and grace. The new born child will carry us to a radiant life and a new participation in the divine life." This is how Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T. Apostolic Vicar of North Arabia addressed the faithful gathered at the Sacred Heart School (SHS) in Isa Town for the Christmas Eve Mass. The bishop highlighted the importance of love, compassion and forgiveness during the Christmas season and how the birth of Jesus expresses God's love for humanity.
On 24 December 2023, the Catholic Church in Bahrain celebrated Christmas Eve with great joy and gratitude in the presence of over 20,000 Catholics, who gathered to participate in the liturgies which were celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali, at the Sacred Heart School and at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, where a celebration in Malayalam language took place. The solemn mass was a sign of hope and unity for the Catholic community, which comprises people from various ethnic groups and nationalities and in different languages and Catholic rites.
In his vote of thanks Parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama Father Francis Joseph, Ofm cap., also thanked King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the entire Royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Prime Minister, all the Government Ministers and Ministries for their support and generosity towards the Catholic Church and the Christian presence in the country. He also praised the spirit of tolerance and coexistence that characterizes Bahrain, and urged the faithful to be witnesses of peace and love in the society. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 28/12/2023)
