Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Roshan Dsouza
Manama (Fides News Agency) – Celebrations for the consecration of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia (AVONA), to the Sacred Heart of Jesus took place on Friday, June 12. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held at the Sacred Heart Church for Solemnity of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Manama, formerly dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Shrine, known as the "Mother Church" as it is the oldest in the Vicariate: 85 years old. In preparation for the event, a novena of preparation was recited in all the parishes and communities of the Vicariate.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, alongside Archbishop Eugene Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. They were joined by priests serving in Bahrain, members of religious communities, and faithful from across the Kingdom. "The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most significant feasts in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It highlights the love, mercy, and compassion of Christ for humanity and serves as a reminder of the Church's mission to reflect and share that love," reads the statement from AVONA sent to Fides.
At the beginning of the celebration, Fr. Francis warmly welcomed the faithful gathered at the church, as well as those participating through the live online broadcast. He extended a special greeting to Bishop Aldo Berardi and Archbishop Eugene Nugent and recalled the historic moment when Sacred Heart Church, the Mother Church of the Vicariate, was officially designated as the Vicarial Shrine through a decree issued by Bishop Aldo Berardi (see Fides, 24/10/2025). He described this as an important milestone that has established the church as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for the faithful across the Vicariate. Concluding his remarks, he invited everyone to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity throughout the Vicariate.
In his homily, Bishop Aldo Berardi reflected on the theological importance of the Sacred Heart as a source of salvation and the foundation of Church life.
During the solemn consecration of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, representatives participated in a procession carrying candles representing the four nations of the Vicariate. At the conclusion of the celebration, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, the Apostolic Nuncio, delivered a message expressing joy and encouragement to the community as he prepares to conclude his mission in the region (see Fides, 25/5/2026). He encouraged the faithful of AVONA to entrust themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and reminded them that their home, strength, and mission are found in the Heart of Jesus.
One of the most moving moments of the celebration was the solemn Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This collective act of consecration served as a renewal of faith and a reaffirmation of the community's commitment to living according to Gospel values. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus once again affirmed the enduring strength of faith within Bahrain's Catholic community and its commitment to building bridges of understanding, unity, and hope through the transformative love of Christ.
Bahrain is currently affected by regional tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, with Iranian attacks targeting US military installations in the kingdom and other Gulf states. The situation remains fluid due to general tensions in the Gulf. Local authorities report that several missile and drone attacks originating from Iran were intercepted last week. They also urged the population to be alert for any unknown or suspicious objects left over from the attacks, to avoid approaching or touching them, and to report them immediately. (AP) (Fides News Agency, 16/6/2026)
Roshan Dsouza
