Largest Catholic Church in Arabian Gulf opens

HH Shaikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings and pride of His Majesty the King in the inauguration of the largest Cathedral in the Arab Gulf region.

He affirmed HM the King’s keenness on bolstering Bahrain’s standing as a civilised country and a pioneering beacon of tolerance between peoples and religions.

“His Majesty the King’s donation of land to build this church, which has an area of 9,000 square metres, reflects HM the King’s vision to protect liberties, promote diversity within unity, ethical and religious principles and values,” said Shaikh Abdullah. 

HH Shaikh Abdullah hailed the efforts of the Government, chaired by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to foster these values and principles between all social segments in Bahrain.

During the opening, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah praised the efforts in building the church that reflects the traditional Christian architecture and a religious landmark in Bahrain.

His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Representative of Pope Francis, said he was deeply honoured to witness this historic event. 

Tagle conveyed the greetings and wishes of His Holiness Pope Francis to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Catholic community in the region.

“The Holy Father and the Catholic community in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia thank your Majesty the King for continuing the tradition of the Royal Family of its closeness and support to the Catholic Church down the years and especially for donating the land on which now stands this beautiful Cathedral.” 

The church dedicated to Mary Queen of Arabia will be consecrated today by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, stressed that the world’s eyes today are on Bahrain with this historic event.

Dr Shaikh Khalid said that in 1819 when the first Hindu temple opened, it was a first at that time, not only in Bahrain but in the region as a whole, and in 1893 the American Economic Missionary Society came to establish a church, a school and a hospital. 

He said: “It wasn’t surprising that in 1893 the American Mission representatives came to Bahrain, met with the then ruler the late Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa and asked him for permission to establish a church, a school and a hospital.”

“It took everyone by surprise because there was a Muslim ruler who supported and allowed preachers to come and preach the Christians.

Such a gesture and support can hardly be found today, but what about 125 or 200 years ago,” he added. 

Dr Shaikh Khalid said he hoped that this church would remain a beacon of light for many and send a message of hope and peace to other worship places in Bahrain.

Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia, said the opening of the Cathedral is a unique and historic event.

“We have around 80,000 Catholic community members here in Bahrain.

For me, the opening of this Cathedral is a situation I inherited, and it’s a wonderful feeling because for me altogether, I am witnessing the inauguration of the seventh church in this area.”

HH Shaikh Abdullah received a commemorative gift from His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio G.

Tagle, Representative of Pope Francis.

Shura Council Member Hala Ramzi said that the inauguration is “an important and joyful event.”