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Daily Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Celebrating Bahrain's Heritage Through the Catholic Church
Since 1939, the Catholic Church has held a visible and respected place in the Kingdom of Bahrain's religious and cultural landscape. That year marked the construction of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama—the first modern Catholic church in the Arabian Gulf—built on land graciously donated by Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Ruler of Bahrain from 1923 to 1942. His gesture planted the seeds of a lasting tradition of religious tolerance and interfaith openness that continues to define the Kingdom today. Now home to more than 140,000 Catholics, Bahrain has one of the most active Catholic communities in the Gulf region. While a small number of native Bahraini Christians remain, the majority of the Catholic population are expatriates from India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, and Western nations. The country also hosts vibrant Eastern Catholic communities, such as the Syro-Malabar Society and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community. Bahrain's commitment to religious freedom was reaffirmed with the construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali—now the largest Catholic church in the Arabian Peninsula. Built on land donated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa following a request from Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, the 9,000-square-meter cathedral was inaugurated in 2021 and serves as the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, led by Bishop Aldo Berardi. A historic milestone occurred in November 2022, when Pope Francis became the first pontiff to visit Bahrain. His four-day visit, centered around the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence, featured high-level interfaith meetings, an ecumenical prayer at the cathedral, and a public Mass at Bahrain National Stadium. The visit was celebrated globally as a triumph for interreligious harmony. Tolerance in Bahrain is not a transient slogan or a performative brand. It is a deeply rooted cultural ethos—woven into the very fabric of Bahraini identity. The spirit of coexistence is not seasonal; it is sustained by generations of leadership and embraced by the people. This enduring value—often referred to as the essence of 'Bahrainism'—has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its status as a model for unity in diversity, where every community can feel respected and at home. In May 2025, following the election of Pope Robert Prevost (Leo XIV) as the new Supreme Pontiff, Bahrain once again affirmed its strong ties with the Vatican. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a congratulatory cable to the Pope, wishing him success and praising the Vatican's role in advancing peace, human fraternity, and intercultural dialogue. His Majesty emphasized Bahrain's dedication to strengthening its historical relationship with the Holy See in support of love, harmony, and global stability. Likewise, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also extended his congratulations, reflecting the Kingdom's high regard for the Catholic Church and its leadership. Now, with a new Pope at the helm, anticipation is growing among Bahrain's Catholic community for a potential second papal visit. While no official plans have been announced, Bahrain's legacy of inclusion, its diplomatic rapport with the Vatican, and its world-class religious infrastructure—rooted in the generosity of rulers past and present—make it a natural choice for further papal outreach. As the Catholic Church continues to thrive in Bahrain, the Kingdom remains a regional symbol of coexistence, where faith and diversity are embraced—not merely tolerated—under the guidance of leadership that has valued unity across generations.
Daily Tribune
19-04-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Good Friday service held by Catholic community
The Bahrain Malayali Catholic community observed the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ with solemn Good Friday services held from 8am yesterday at the Sacred Heart School in Isa Town. The observances began with the Way of the Cross and a penitential procession around the school grounds. This was followed by services led by Fr. Francis Joseph OFM Cap., Vicar of Sacred Heart Church in Manama. He was joined by Fr. Saji Thomas OFM Cap., Rector of Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, along with Fr. John Britto, Fr. Lijo Abraham, and Fr. Sebastian Isaac. The service included readings on the Passion of Christ, veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion, and adoration of the Crucified Christ. After the service, a solemn procession displaying the Body of Christ was held in the school grounds, with clergy and a congregation of over 7,000 faithful participating.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Broadway musical coming to Sharon featuring different local celebrities
SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) – A local acting company is bringing some Broadway to the area. Read next: Ribs-N-Rock Festival 2025 entertainment lineup The ACTS Performing Arts Center is staging the musical 'Sweeney Todd' at its theater in downtown Sharon inside the former Sacred Heart Church on S. Irvine Avenue. The cast includes two dozen people from the Shenango and Mahoning valleys — but you'll want to watch closely as each of the eight shows will feature a different celebrity victim of the 'demon barber,' including one you may recognize from First News. Opening night is Friday at 7:30 p.m. The show runs through April 12. For ticket information, visit the ACTS Performing Arts Center's website or call 1-724-815-4388. You can also buy tickets at the door. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Maureen Neal, wife of Congressman Richard Neal, has died
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Family and friends are mourning the passing of Maureen P. Neal, the wife of U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal. She was 74 years old. Mrs. Neal passed away on March 19 at Baystate Medical Center, with her family by her side. She leaves her husband, and four children, Rory, Brendan, Maura Fitzpatrick, and Sean, as well as ten grandchildren, two sisters, and two brothers. She was born and raised in Holyoke, graduating from Holyoke High School and the University of Massachusetts. She first worked in the Hampden County District Attorney's office and then became a teacher at St. Joseph's Grammar School and Our Lady of Hope Grammar School. Later in her professional career, she worked for the State Auditor's office and the Springfield Parks Department. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels located on 7 Chapin Terrace in Springfield. The funeral is Friday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield and burial immediately following at Saint Michael's Cemetery on 1601 State Street in Springfield. Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104, or to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Mrs. Neal's full obituary and to leave her family condolence messages can be found on the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 Remarkable Women Nominee: Claire Crone
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Sophia's Kitchen has been feeding thousands of mouths a month, but things haven't always been smooth sailing. Every Tuesday in March, WMBD is recognizing one of the station's Remarkable Women nominations viewers have sent in. This week, WMBD is diving into Claire Crone. Crone has had a roller coaster of challenges to overcome in her path to growing Sophia's Kitchen to enormous heights. 'My parents were both in retail, so I would sit at the dining room table and listen to them tell stories about working in retail. So I came to, you know, the understanding of who people really are.' Crone got her start at an animal rescue, where she learned more about herself, including the nurturing bones she carries in her body. After about 12 years working for the shelter, she turned to volunteering at the cafeteria of one of her children's schools. That would eventually tunr into a job for the cafeteria where she learned the importance of efficiency and a healthy environment. After her time at the school, she got a new job as the secretary for Sacred Heart Church, where she was tasked with taking over the reins for Sophia's Kitchen, growing it to insurmountable heights. 'We feed over (300) to 500 people a day, so making sure that nobody goes home hungry from Sophia's kitchen. So I'm just making sure that there's enough food and everybody is organized. And mostly that we're having fun while we're doing it,' she said. Sophia's Kitchen feeds about 7,000 people a month and relies heavily on people's generosity for things such as volunteers, sponsorships, and donations. While there have been close calls time and time again, worrying crone about where the next meal may come from, the job always gets done. 'There have been times that I didn't think we were going to make it. There are times that I thought we were going to have to close, but being able to, with the support of all the others that come and help me and support me, that's that's about the biggest impact is just being able to say that there's going to be a tomorrow for us.' One instance she refers to was one time the kitchen ran out of buns right when they make Sloppy Joe's and when the meal was about to be served the volunteers realized the error. But as luck would have it right before the situation turns dire donations seem to come in for them at the perfect moment. Aside from donations, though, Sophia's Kitchen would be irrelevant if it weren't for those struggling. 'It's hugely important to make that personal connection with our guests. For a lot of them, they don't have any other family. They don't have any other friends. This is a way that we bring humanity back to them and let them know that people in Peoria still care about them,' Crone said. While Crone says it's painful to see others struggling she is glad she can help make a difference in other people's lives. Crone also gives advice to those who are to ever question the strength and power they have in themselves. 'It's easy and trite to say, believe in yourself, but you've got this. There's a strength, there's a core in you.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
