KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16:  The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, has been elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica, a decree announced on June 28 by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, recognizing the church’s historical, religious, and pastoral significance.

Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, expressed his joy over the honor, noting that the church was first established by the Carmelites in 1948 and later built by the Kuwait Oil Company to serve workers in the oil industry. The parish celebrated its 75th anniversary two years ago.

Bishop Berardi described the church as a place of great spiritual and pastoral significance, providing migrants and residents the opportunity to practice their faith under the protection of Our Lady. The church houses the statue of Our Lady of Arabia, originally dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, blessed by Pope Pius XII in 1949 and crowned in 2011 by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.

First Minor Basilica in the Gulf

Our Lady of Arabia now holds the distinction of being the first Minor Basilica in the Gulf region. Bishop Berardi thanked local authorities, religious orders, and the Holy See for their contributions, highlighting the church’s role as a spiritual guardian even during the Iraq-Kuwait war. Today, she serves as the patroness of the Gulf, with her feast observed on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, serves a diverse community of approximately two million Catholics, primarily migrants from the Philippines, India, Africa, and Europe. Bishop Berardi emphasized the community’s diversity, noting the presence of Christians of different rites and several local citizens who have obtained Kuwaiti nationality.

The church actively engages young Catholics through events such as the Jubilee of Youth, which allows participants to experience faith and devotion alongside their peers from around the world. Bishop Berardi noted that these gatherings strengthen faith, provide opportunities for prayer, and expose young people to the Church’s universal traditions.

The church also organizes catechism, devotional activities, and support programs for workers, emphasizing three main pillars: Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and Marian devotion. Various groups, including Charismatic movements, Marian communities, and religious orders, contribute to the parish’s vibrant spiritual life.

The decree of elevation (No. 18/25) followed a formal request by Bishop Berardi, recognizing the church’s leading role in the spiritual life of Catholics across Kuwait and the Arabian Peninsula. The pastoral work of the clergy and parish council, led by Capuchin Father Roswin Redento Agnelo Pires, was instrumental in securing the designation.

Minor Basilicas enjoy a special bond with the Pope and the See of Rome, including the right to display the papal emblem of crossed keys and the use of ceremonial items such as the ombrellino and tintinnabulum.

Bishop Berardi said, “Recognition by the Holy See is not only a great honor for our Vicariate, but also a profound affirmation of the living faith of our people on the Arabian Peninsula.” The date for the solemn celebration of the Minor Basilica proclamation will be announced soon.