In a joyous celebration, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, led a solemn Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Doha, marking the beginning of 2024. The Catholic community in Qatar, known for its diversity in ethnicity, nationalities, languages, and Catholic rites, gathered for the occasion, symbolizing hope and unity.
Speaking to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, Bishop Berardi revealed that an impressive 30,000 individuals attended the New Year’s Day Mass. Our Lady of the Rosary, established in 2006, stands as the first authorized Catholic church in Qatar and the country's initial Christian place of worship since the 7th century.
The church's establishment was made possible through the efforts of several ambassadors, notably from France, who sought government authorization. The then-Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, generously donated the land, and on March 15, 2008, Cardinal Ivan Dias consecrated the church.
Describing the vastness of the church, situated near the new airport within a "Religious Complex" housing various Christian denominations, Bishop Berardi expressed the desire to build another church in a different area of the country.
“On Fridays, it's astonishing,” he remarked. “Many Catholics come for Mass, as do Orthodox, Copts, Protestants, and faithful of the Indian churches. The area has developed all around. Indian and Filipino schools have been built.”
Bishop Berardi acknowledged the unique challenges across the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, encompassing Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, each presenting distinct laws, cultures, tribal influences, and Muslim tendencies.
During the Mass, Father Xavier D’Souza, the parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary, expressed gratitude to Bishop Berardi for his leadership, marking the beginning of 2024. He extended thanks to Qatar's Emir, Prime Minister, royal family, and the people for their benevolence in providing necessary facilities and approvals for their services, including Governmental and Security Police Authorities.
Special appreciation was reserved for Mariam Nasser Al Hail, Deputy Director of the Office of the Secretary-General for Service Affairs, for her pivotal role in securing special approvals and support for their services. The Catholic community looks forward to continued cooperation and growth in their religious endeavors in the region.