KUWAIT CITY, Jan 16: The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi marked a historic and solemn occasion today as it was officially elevated to the status of a “minor basilica”. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, along with a large gathering of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Arab and European countries, Christian clergy from various denominations across the Gulf, and hundreds of citizens and residents.

During the celebration, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the event as a “blessed historic day,” noting that the elevation is not merely an honor for the church building itself, but a recognition of a decades-long spiritual journey and the church’s enduring mission across the Arabian Peninsula.

Cardinal Parolin highlighted the church’s deep connection to local and migrant communities since its founding, particularly migrant workers who arrived in the mid-20th century. These communities helped revive the church, bringing with them their faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Arabian Peninsula.

He emphasized that, since its consecration on December 18, the church has grown into a spiritual haven, offering prayer, hope, and consolation to countless believers.

The Cardinal further underlined that the church’s elevation to a small basilica is a call for the faithful to be “living stones” in the spiritual edifice of the church. He stressed that the true greatness of the basilica lies not in the beauty of its structure, but in the living faith, love, and embodiment of Gospel values in everyday life.