Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manama (Agenzia Fides) - "Bahrain will soon have a new church!" This is what was announced this morning to Fides Agency by Mgr. Camillo Ballin, mccj, Apostolic Vicar of north Arabia, vicariate which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. "I was in Kuwait - writes the Bishop - when I was reached by a phone call from the Secretary of the Minister of Follow-up who communicated the request of the Minister to meet me. Back in Bahrain I went immediately to the Ministry and with great emotion Shaykh Ahmed Bin Ateytallah Al Khalifa, this is the Minister’s name who is the person responsible for monitoring whether the decisions taken by the king or the government are put into practice or not, handed over the title deeds of land of 9,000 square meters where we will build the new church. "Mgr. Ballin is keen to highlight the fact that the document is dated February 11, feast of Our Lady of Lourdes that in Bahrain corresponds to Our Lady of Arabia . "Our prayers have been answered," writes the Bishop. "Our Lady of Arabia is capable of doing miracles!" "During this meeting - adds the Apostolic Vicar - the Minister invited me today, February 13, at the royal palace for a meeting with King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa with all the religious authorities, adding that I would be seated next to the king as a guest of honor! I will have the chance to thank him for the land that was donated," concluded Mgr. Ballin. The new church will be the Cathedral and will be dedicated to Our Lady of Arabia. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 13/02/2013)
