ASIA/BAHRAIN – Pastoral visits in times of war in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia

by Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T.*

Awali – The year 2026 has brought many surprises. In January, we joyfully celebrated the proclamation of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait. Shortly thereafter, however, we entered a period of social and economic instability due to the war.

2026 was also the year scheduled for pastoral visits to the eleven parishes of the Vicariate. Despite the difficulties caused by the attacks and the closure of airports, we were able to carry out the program as planned. The bishop had to visit his flock, especially at a time marked by tension and fear.

A pastoral ministry adapted to circumstances

Despite the temporary closure of churches and the need to rely on online prayer, we succeeded in keeping communion alive. Every effort was made to reopen the churches and to offer comfort to those seeking consolation and peace. In this way, we remained united in the midst of difficulty and experienced our identity as a Church, in solidarity and in the spiritual life.
The bishop’s visit proved especially important in encouraging the faithful, supporting them and making his paternal closeness tangible.
We gathered to pray for peace and organized special moments of encounter and fraternity. No priest requested to return to his home country, a source of great consolation for the entire community.

A time of difficulty and fear

With constant alerts, drones and missile attacks, fear spread throughout the cities. There were growing concerns about casualties and injuries. The sound of explosions at military bases and airports made everyday life particularly difficult. Children and adults experienced moments of great suffering, and the level of stress, especially among the youngest, increased significantly.
The mission of the clergy—the bishop and the priests— was above all to listen to the concerns of the faithful and remain close to them.
The pastoral visit has allowed them to reach out to the communities, address their concerns, and offer hope, encouragement and blessing.

An economy that causes suffering

The war has brought suffering and economic instability. Many people have lost their jobs or gone for months without receiving their salaries. Others have been asked to return to their countries of origin. Departures and painful farewells have become increasingly frequent.
The pastoral visits also helped strengthen solidarity and charitable outreach. Our churches became places of hope and mutual support. In carrying out her mission, the Church continues to be a home and a family—a place where everyone is welcomed.

Keeping Christ at the centre

The strength of faith has sustained us, and fraternal love has enabled us to face this time of suffering together.
These pastoral visits revealed an even deeper longing for prayer, Christian formation, unity and solidarity. They allowed me to experience firsthand the reality of our communities and to seek ways of responding to their needs.
In this context, our presence has taken on its fullest meaning: to be the presence of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

*Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

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