PANAJI
It was a historic and joyous moment for the Catholic community in Kuwait, and especially the Goans who form a significant expatriate community, as the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi was officially elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica on January 16.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, solemnly declared the elevation of the Minor Basilica while presiding over a liturgical celebration concelebrated by a number of priests, including Goan priests, Fr Gaspar Fernandes, Fr Nelson Lobo and Fr Roswin Pires. Catholic faithful from across Kuwait participated in the Mass.
According to a media statement by the Church in Kuwait, the elevation recognises the parish’s deep spiritual heritage, vibrant faith community, and its significant role in nurturing Christian life in the region.
“Becoming a Minor Basilica places Our Lady of Arabia among a select group of churches worldwide honoured with special privileges and a closer bond with the Vatican. This milestone marks a new chapter in the Church’s mission in Kuwait, strengthening faith and unity among believers,” the statement added.
GOANS REACT
“The elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, to a Minor Basilica by the Vatican is a historic milestone, making it the first Catholic church in the Arabian Peninsula to receive this honour,” said Carmo Santos, president of the Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait.
“For Catholics in Kuwait and the wider Gulf, it establishes the church as a key spiritual centre, reflecting Vatican recognition of their faith life in a region where Muslims make up around 75–82 % of the population and Christians about 17–18 %.”
“As for Goan Catholics, who form a significant and devoted expatriate community, the designation holds special meaning. It honours their longstanding contribution to Catholic life in Kuwait and provides a sacred focal point for their deep devotion to Mother Mary, echoing the rich Marian traditions of Goa, and offering a spiritual home for celebrations, prayers, and community gatherings far from their homeland.”
John Fernandes, online media manager of Arab Times in Kuwait, described the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi to a Minor Basilica as a “truly historic moment for the region!”
“This is the first church in the entire Arabian Peninsula to receive the title of Minor Basilica. The mother church which started in a humble Nissen hut in 1948 was built with the support of the Kuwait Oil Company for workers.”
“When the GCC visa begins, it will be a pilgrimage hub with over 2.5 million Catholics living in the Gulf (many in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) visiting Ahmadi.”
As a long standing resident of Kuwait, Rabin Gonsalves said he was honoured to witness the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi being designated as a Minor Basilica.
“This is a historic moment for the Catholic community in Kuwait and I express my sincere gratitude to the Rulers of Kuwait and the Kuwait oil company for their support and for facilitating this important milestone which reflects the country’s commitment to harmony and coexistence,” said Gonsalves.
As part of his pastoral visit to Kuwait, Cardinal Parolin also met with the clergy, religious sisters, and members of various congregations at the Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait City.
The gathering provided an opportunity for encouragement, reflection, and strengthening of communion within the local Church. The Cardinal expressed appreciation for the dedication and witness of priests and religious serving in a multicultural environment.
SECOND MILESTONE
Incidentally, there was another milestone as the Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait City celebrated the 65th anniversary of its consecration, marking decades of faith, service, and Christian presence in Kuwait.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, president over a solemn Pontifical Mass on January 17 to commemorate the jubilee celebration.
In his homily, Bishop Berardi reflected on the cathedral’s role as a spiritual home for generations of faithful and a symbol of hope, unity, and perseverance of the Christian community in the region.
At present, Fr Gaspar Fernandes, OFM Cap., a Goan Capuchin, is the parish priest of the Holy Family Co-Cathedral, while another Goan Capuchin, Fr Roswin Pires, had previously served as the parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi.
Fr Nelson Lobo is also based in Kuwait and is Director of Catechism and Bible Studies in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA).
