Manama – Sixteen teams from Bahrain and other Gulf countries gathered on 16 October at Gosi Ground in Hoora, Manama, for the first edition of the AVONA Mission Sunday Cup, a six-a-side football tournament organized by MISSIO-AVONA, of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, as part of the celebrations marking 100 years of World Mission Sunday. In line with the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” the event was envisioned as an opportunity to foster encounter and fraternity through sport.
The tournament was kicked off by Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia , which comprises Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Bishop expressed his appreciation for the initiative and acknowledged the efforts of the organizers. His presence, the organizers explained, underscored the community- based nature of the event, which was launched with the aim of fostering relationships, fellowship and cooperation among the diverse individuals and communities living in the region.
Also present alongside Bishop Berardi were Father Anthony Almazan, Parish Administrator of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, and Father John Nunez, Secretary to the Apostolic Vicar. Addressing participants during the event, Father Anthony commended the initiative for bringing the community together through football and encouraged everyone to continue fostering unity and fellowship.
The tournament was envisioned and initiated by Father Marcus Fernandes, OFM Cap., MISSIO-AVONA Delegate, as part of the initiatives for the centenary celebration of World Mission Sunday. As the Capuchin friar explained, the aim was to take the message of mission
beyond the church setting and create an occasion where people could experience unity, fellowship and community through sport.
“The initiative reflects the conviction that the Church’s mission is also expressed through its ability to build community, foster relationships and promote encounter.”
For Father Marcus, the participation of the various teams, together with the involvement of volunteers, families and supporters, demonstrated how a sporting event can become a tangible expression of fraternity.
For MISSIO-AVONA, however, the significance of the day extended well beyond the sporting results. The tournament was conceived as one of the means through which the theme of mission could be put into practice, in a region characterized by the presence of international Catholic communities and the diverse backgrounds of the faithful. “Beyond the trophies, medals and results,” the organizers emphasized, “the greatest achievement of the inaugural AVONA Mission Sunday Cup was the spirit in which it was celebrated.” The event brought participants and families together around the values of faith, friendship, teamwork and mutual respect.
As the Church marks the centenary of World Mission Sunday, the tournament demonstrated how the mission of building community can extend beyond traditional settings. The hope is that the Mission Sunday Cup will become a regular event for the communities of Northern Arabia in the years ahead.
MISSIO-AVONA also expressed its gratitude to the 16 participating teams, the organizers, volunteers, referees, match officials, families and supporters whose contributions made this inaugural edition possible, laying the foundations for the initiative to continue in the future.
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