Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kuwait City (Agenzia Fides) - The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia welcomes the visit of the Head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, who arrived in Kuwait on November 8, where he was received by the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi (O.S.S.T.).
In July of this year, Bishop Berardi visited India, where he was received by Archbishop Thattil, where a celebration was held at Mount St. Thomas, the seat of the Syro-Malabar Church in Kakkanad (Cochin, Kerala), to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Mass in the Syro-Malabar liturgy celebrated by the Indian expatriate community in Doha (Qatar). The celebration was opened by Bishop Aldo Berardi, who in his address emphasized the unity of the community and its mission to witness to the faith.
Archbishop Thattil's visit aims to strengthen the bonds of faith and community among Catholics in the regions of Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. This historic visit marks a significant occasion for the local community and will strengthen ties between the Syro-Malabar Church and the broader Catholic presence in the Arabian Peninsula.
Archbishop Thattil will travel to Qatar from 14 to 15 November and finally visit Bahrain from 16 to 18 November, hoping to strengthen relations with the local Catholic community there too and to emphasize the importanceoffellowship,unity,andthemissionoftheChurch.
The program includes meetings with priests, participation in religious services and dialogue with various pastoral groups and communities that serve the multicultural population of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia.
A highlight of the Major Archbishop's visit will be a special public gathering and Ecumenical Prayer Service, where he will address the faithful,encouraging them to deepen their commitment to their faith amidst the unique challenges of living in a diverse multicultural society.
The entire Vicariate of Northern Arabia, which includes Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, looks forward to the opportunity the visit will offer to the Catholic faithful in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain for celebration and spiritual renewal. Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil is the leader of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and one of the prominent figures in the global Catholic community. His visit to Northern Arabia is a momentous occasion for the local faithful. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 12/11/2024)
