Kuwait’s Church of Our Lady of Arabia Elevated to First Minor Basilica in Gulf

Kuwait, August 15, 2025: The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, has been elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica—the first of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula—by a decree issued on 28 June by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, expressed his joy at the recognition, which highlights the church’s historical, spiritual, and pastoral significance for Catholics across the Gulf region.

Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Berardi explained that the parish, founded by the Carmelites in 1948 and later built by the Kuwait Oil Company for workers in the oil industry, celebrated its 75th anniversary two years ago. The church houses the revered statue of Our Lady of Arabia—originally dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel—blessed by Pope Pius XII in 1949 and crowned in 2011 on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.

Describing the site as a place of great devotion and spiritual refuge for migrants and residents, the Bishop noted the significance of its Marian statue in a predominantly Muslim region. He thanked local authorities, religious orders, and the Holy See for their role in achieving the recognition, recalling how the statue remained a symbol of protection during the Iraq-Kuwait war.

The Northern Vicariate, which covers Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, is home to around two million Catholics from diverse backgrounds, with an additional million in the Southern Vicariate. Bishop Berardi highlighted the community’s youthfulness, devotion, and participation in global Catholic events, including the Jubilee of Youth and preparations for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea.

The decree follows a formal request submitted by Bishop Berardi and supported by Capuchin Father Roswin Redento Agnelo Pires and the parish council. The title of Minor Basilica signifies a special bond with the See of Rome and grants specific liturgical privileges. The date for the solemn proclamation will be announced in due course.

Courtesy: Vatican News