Emirati Catholics delighted by Pope Francis’ November visit to Bahrain

The Catholic community in the UAE says its ties to the Church will deepen and its faith will become stronger when Pope Francis visits the Gulf region for the second time in November.

Pope Francis’ announcement Visit Bahrain From 3 to 6 November, UAE residents who took part in the festivities were thrilled to welcome the Pope on his first visit to the Gulf in February 2019.

Some hope to travel to Bahrain, while others will watch online the public mass scheduled for November 5 at the Bahrain National Stadium.

“The second visit shows that the area is at the heart of the church,” said Gerard Beselis, who provides the bass baritone and sings hymns in Arabic and French for the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir in Dubai.

He is one of more than 150 singers and musicians in the Pope Choir Abu Dhabi Mass Three years ago, tens of thousands of people participated.

“This is very significant because it shows that the region is getting the attention of the Holy See,” said Mr Bselis, a Syrian-French national who has made the UAE his home for the past 25 years. “Most of us are from different countries and when we’re far from home, being involved means a lot.

“A first visit in history is always a big deal, but a second visit cements that message.”

Mr. Bselis and his wife, Lorna Abdo, the alto of the choir, hope to be part of a group involved in Bahrain, or plan to travel to the country for a ceremony.

Father Maxime Cardoza, parish priest of St. Paul’s Church in Abu Dhabi, welcomed Pope Francis to reach out to different countries in the region.

“The people who didn’t see him the last time were enthusiastic and eager to go to Bahrain,” he said.

Father Cardoza at his altar in Abu Dhabi for the first mass of a pope in the Arabian Peninsula. He said he had fond memories of the incident.

“It was emotional for us to be so close to him,” Fr Cardoza said.

“To celebrate Mass together at the altar is a rare moment. It strengthens our confidence and tells us that we are connected to the Vatican.”

He said the theme of peace and goodwill chosen for the Pope’s visit to Bahrain is of great significance to the region.

“When the Pope visits, a connection is created. It’s not just for Catholics, it’s for everyone, especially having the Pope come to a Muslim-majority country,” he said.

“The themes at the time were fraternity and religious integration. Now there is a similar theme. The Pope’s message is that our beliefs may be different, but we need to walk together as brothers and sisters.”

News of the visit still brings joy to other Emirati Catholics who are unable to travel to Bahrain due to work and financial constraints.

Beatriz Lamanero, a volunteer at St Michael’s Church in Sharjah, said: “Even seeing him again online makes you feel closer to faith and God.”

“Everyone is looking forward to it and we are grateful to be in the same area.”

Joyson Dsouza said singing for Mass in Abu Dhabi was one of his most memorable experiences.

“I could see him clearly and it was the best feeling ever,” said Mr Dzouza, a music teacher at a school in Dubai.

“His visit spreads positivity. I cannot take time off to go to Bahrain, but I will make sure I will attend Mass in November. Having him close will only strengthen our faith.”

Pope Francis will visit Manama and Awali during his trip.he will visit Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia Speaking at the “East and West of Human Coexistence” conference as part of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum.

Registration details for Holy Mass at Bahrain National Stadium to be announced on the official website Bahrain Pope visits website.

The Pope accepted the invitation of King Hamad of Bahrain and the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, headed by Bishop Paul Martinelli.

“The world needs peace, but not peace based on mutual fear,” Pope Francis says