Category: #faith

#faith

Kuwait: Our Lady of Arabia Elevated to Minor Basilica

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The Catholic Church in the Gulf has reached a historic milestone with the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia, located in Ahmadi, Kuwait, to the rank of Minor Basilica. The decree, promulgated on June 28 by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, officially recognizes the church’s spiritual and pastoral importance.

Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, expressed profound joy over this recognition. He recalled that the church was established in 1948 through the efforts of the Carmelites and built by the Kuwait Oil Company for workers in the petroleum industry. In 2023, the parish celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“This church has always been a place of spiritual meaning,” Bishop Berardi said. “Here, migrants and those who came to work in the country have been able to practice their faith under the protection of Our Lady.”

The church holds particular importance as the home of the statue of Our Lady of Arabia, originally dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Blessed by Pope Pius XII in Rome in 1949 and later crowned by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera in 2011 on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, the statue is a symbol of devotion for Catholics in the region.

In a predominantly Muslim country where religious imagery is restricted, the presence of a Marian statue carries profound meaning for the faithful. “It is a shrine of great devotion,” Bishop Berardi emphasized, “and now its historical and pastoral significance is officially recognized.”

The elevation to Minor Basilica status strengthens the Church of Our Lady of Arabia’s role as a spiritual beacon for Catholics in Kuwait and the wider Gulf, offering a deeper bond with the universal Church.

#faith

Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney: Celebrating the Patron of Parish Priests – August 4

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Every year on August 4, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney, also known as Pastors’ Day. Recognized as the patron saint of parish priests, St. Vianney is a symbol of devotion, humility, and tireless service to the Church.

Born in 1786 in Dardilly, France, John Vianney became a priest against many odds. Struggling academically and facing personal challenges, his unwavering faith and commitment to serve God guided him through. He was eventually appointed parish priest of the small, obscure village of Ars, where his extraordinary ministry soon became known across France.

St. Vianney was especially known for his long hours in the confessional, sometimes hearing confessions for up to 16 hours a day. His compassion and spiritual insight drew thousands of pilgrims. His life was marked by simplicity, personal sacrifice, and a profound ability to guide souls to God.

Today, his legacy lives on through parish priests and pastors who walk in his footsteps—quietly working behind the scenes to support, uplift, and spiritually guide their communities.

As we mark this feast, let us take a moment to reflect on the silent strength of those who lead our spiritual lives. Whether you’re a parishioner or part of the clergy, today is a day of gratitude and prayer for the pastoral heart that never ceases to serve.

🙏 Happy Feast of St. John Mary Vianney!

#faith

KTCL Flags Off Pilgrimage Trips to Velankanni for Devotees

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Panaji, Goa: In a special initiative catering to the spiritual aspirations of the faithful, Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) has announced special pilgrimage trips to Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. These trips are timed to align with the upcoming Velankanni Festival, celebrated annually in early September and attracting thousands of devotees from across India.

Velankanni, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the country. KTCL’s dedicated transport service ensures a safe, affordable, and comfortable journey for pilgrims, particularly from Goa and neighboring regions.

The initiative reflects KTCL’s commitment not just to transportation but also to supporting faith tourism and cultural connections. Devotees can now travel worry-free, with professionally managed itineraries, experienced drivers, and essential facilities in place.

The launch of this spiritual travel service also encourages inter-state tourism and strengthens Goa’s role as a hub for devotional outreach.

Interested pilgrims can visit the official KTCL website or contact their nearest Kadamba depot for bookings and detailed schedules.

“Faith is the fuel, and KTCL is the route to reach it.”

For more updates, follow @ktclgoaofficial on all platforms.

#faith

Delilah Lobo Joins in Siolim for Feast of St. Maria Goretti, Celebrating Faith and Community Unity

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Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Siolim, Goa – July 6, 2025: The serene village of Siolim witnessed a heartfelt celebration of the Feast of St. Maria Goretti at Baman Waddo, bringing together locals in a beautiful expression of faith, harmony, and togetherness. The annual event honoured the virtues of St. Maria Goretti — a young Catholic saint remembered for her purity, courage, and forgiveness.

Among those present to support and bless the community were Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, Sarpanch Shri Amit Morajkar, and Panch Member Shri Sandesh Hadfadkar. Their participation highlighted the close relationship between local leadership and community life in Goa.

The feast began with a solemn mass, followed by hymns and prayers that resonated through the lanes of Baman Waddo. The event was more than a religious observance — it was a vibrant reflection of the community’s unity and devotion. Residents, young and old, worked hand-in-hand to prepare the venue, organise liturgical proceedings, and serve refreshments to guests.

“This event is more than just a religious gathering. It’s a reminder of how faith can bring people together and strengthen community ties,” remarked Sarpanch Shri Amit Morajkar.

MLA Delilah Lobo also commended the ward’s dedication, saying, “It’s inspiring to see how Siolim celebrates both tradition and unity. The values of St. Maria Goretti are truly alive in the way this community comes together.”

The Feast of St. Maria Goretti in Baman Waddo once again reinforced the power of community celebration — a testament to Siolim’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

#faith

Devotion in Stone: Dr. Aniket Nibre Builds 40-Foot Idol of Lord Vitthal in Sawantwadi

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Story by Anil Bhise

In a remarkable blend of faith, perseverance, and craftsmanship, Dr. Aniket Ravindra Nibre, a resident of Majgaon Harsawantwada in Sawantwadi, has built an awe-inspiring 40-foot-tall idol of Lord Vitthal—right in his own field.

What makes this feat even more extraordinary is the material: stones collected from a nearby stream. Day by day, Dr. Nibre and his family members gathered and shaped these stones, breathing life into a massive representation of the beloved deity Vitthal, revered across Maharashtra and beyond.

“This idol is a reflection of our devotion—carved not just in stone, but in spirit,” says Dr. Nibre.

The project wasn’t a solo endeavor. It was supported by his family and community members, including Sai Nibre, Prasham Warang, Chirayu Warang, Ritika Nibre, and Ravindra Nibre, who all played a role in this labor of love.

The stone idol now stands as a symbol of spiritual dedication, attracting curiosity and admiration from locals and visitors alike. Its sheer scale and raw, earthy construction are a reminder of the power of personal devotion and grassroots creativity.

This creation, photographed beautifully by Anil Bhise, serves as more than just a religious sculpture—it’s a community’s collective expression of faith and identity, rooted deeply in the land they live on.

In a time when devotion is often fleeting, Dr. Aniket Nibre’s monument of love and faith in Lord Vitthal is a towering reminder of what patience, belief, and unity can build.