Bahrain: Church to be declared a Vicarial pilgrim shrine

Image: Sacred Mother Church

Source: Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA)

The Sacred Heart Church, in Bahrain, will be officially declared a Vicarial Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Saturday, 8 November, 2025.

Known as The Mother Church, the oldest Catholic Church in the Arabian Peninsula, (except Yemen), was consecrated in 1940, and has been a symbol of faith, history, devotion drawing devotees from across the Gulf.

The church shall henceforth bear the name and title 'Vicarial Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus'

Sacred Heart Church has long been a centre of spiritual vitality and intercession for the diverse Catholic population living and working in Bahrain. The Church draws pilgrims and devotees from across the Gulf.

This solemn celebration falls during the church's 85th Jubilee Year, adding historical resonance to an already significant occasion. During this auspicious occasion there will be a special Pontifical Mass led by His Excellency Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. During this Mass, our Bishop will declare The Mother Church as the Vicariate Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

With the Sacred Heart Church being erected as the shrine, a partial indulgence will be granted to pilgrims and devotees who participate in the Thursday or Friday votive Mass of the Sacred Heart, subject to the usual conditions (Sacramental Confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.)

The faithful are encouraged to make pilgrimages to the Shrine to seek divine grace, manifested in a special way in this holy place where the human and divine meet.

Lay associations dedicated to the Sacred Heart will be organized within the Shrine to assist in caring for the church, promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart, organising prayer meetings, novenas, and other devotional activities. They will also organize conferences, guided tours, and other initiatives to preserve and promote the history of the Shrine, thereby fostering greater awareness of its spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.

The mission of the Vicarial shrine is to be a centre for celebrations of the sacred liturgy, especially the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance.

This Decree took effect on 1 November 2025. It was initiated by Bishop Aldo Berardi, OSST, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.

A Rector of the Vicarial Shrine, will be appointed to take responsibility for its pastoral care, administration, and the fostering of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Rector shall also be entrusted with the preservation and promotion of the church's historical heritage, as well as the supervision of its physical maintenance and upkeep.

The new title will bring with it both privileges and responsibilities that reflect the deep reverence for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Church's commitment to preserving its spiritual heritage.

The Sacred Heart Church in Bahrain was first established on Christmas Eve. Its bells rang for the first time on 24 December 1939 at 11pm. It was the first Church to be built in the region. HH Sheikh Haman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, then Ruler of Bahrain, graciously offered a plot of land to build the church. With the help of Fr Luigi, a Capuchin priest, the church was built. On 9 June 1939. the first foundation stone was laid. On 3 March, 1940, the church was formally blessed.

LINK

Sacred Heart Church Bahrain: www.sacredheartchurchbahrain.org/