Manama: The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Manama, the oldest Catholic church on the Arabian Peninsula outside Yemen, has been officially declared a sanctuary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, a development hailed as a historic moment for religious dialogue and tolerance in the Gulf region. The formal proclamation will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8, during a solemn ceremony led by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.
Consecrated in 1940, the Sacred Heart Church has long been revered as the spiritual heart of Bahrain’s Catholic community. Often referred to as the “mother church” of Manama, it has welcomed generations of pilgrims and faithful from across the Arabian Peninsula, serving as a beacon of devotion, intercession, and pastoral care in a predominantly Muslim region. Over the decades, the church has grown in both historical and spiritual significance, embodying the enduring presence of Catholic faith in the Gulf.
The announcement coincides with the 85th jubilee year of the church’s founding, enhancing the celebratory importance of the occasion. With its new status as a sanctuary, the faithful who participate in the votive Mass of the Sacred Heart on Thursdays or Fridays may receive a partial indulgence, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
The decree, issued on November 1 and made public by the Vicariate, also calls for the formation of lay associations dedicated to the Sacred Heart within the sanctuary. These groups will foster devotion through prayer meetings, novenas, conferences, guided tours, and initiatives that preserve and promote the rich history of the site.
Bishop Berardi will appoint a rector for the newly designated sanctuary, responsible for pastoral oversight, administration, and the promotion of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The rector will also safeguard the church’s historical heritage, ensure its physical maintenance, and coordinate programs that engage the wider community in spiritual and cultural activities.
Speaking to Vatican media, Bishop Berardi expressed profound gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its leadership, particularly His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for fostering an environment of hospitality and religious coexistence. “We are witnessing another historic moment for the Catholic Church in the Arabian Peninsula a milestone that celebrates dialogue, peace, and friendship,” he said.
The bishop highlighted the broader significance of the sanctuary, noting that this recognition aligns with the spirit of Pope Francis’ 2022 visit to Bahrain and continues a centuries-old tradition of interfaith dialogue exemplified by Saint Francis of Assisi’s encounter with Sultan al-Malik in Egypt. “The Church offers devotion to the Sacred Heart not as a mere symbol, but as a living testament to God’s love for all humanity,” he emphasized.
The Church of the Sacred Heart traces its origins to Christmas Eve, 1939, when its bells rang for the first time, marking the culmination of months of construction. The foundation stone was laid on June 9, 1939, and the church was solemnly consecrated on March 3, 1940. Since then, it has served as the spiritual anchor for the Catholic faithful in Bahrain and a testament to the enduring presence of faith in a diverse and pluralistic society.
As the church steps into its new role as a sanctuary, it continues to symbolize devotion, dialogue, and the unity of communities under shared values of faith and humanity, heralding a new chapter for Catholicism in the Arabian Peninsula.