Kuwait City, Jan 16: The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi marked a historic and solemn occasion today as it was officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica, becoming a significant spiritual landmark for the Catholic community in the region.
The ceremonial event was attended by Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, along with a large gathering of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Arab and European nations. Christian clergy representing various denominations from across the Gulf region were also present, alongside hundreds of citizens and residents who gathered to witness the momentous occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the elevation as a “blessed historic day.” He emphasised that the honour was not limited to the church building alone, but symbolised the recognition of a decades-long spiritual journey and the enduring mission of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in serving the faithful.
The elevation to a minor basilica underscores the church’s historical, spiritual, and pastoral significance, reaffirming its role as a beacon of faith, unity, and hope for the Christian community in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See’s highest-ranking diplomatic representative, will undertake an official visit to Kuwait from January 14 to 16, 2026, as announced by the Vatican’s embassy. The visit forms part of the celebrations marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the Gulf—the proclamation of the Parish Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi as a Minor Basilica.
Cardinal Parolin will preside over the proclamation ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026. The title of Minor Basilica is conferred by the Pope in recognition of a church’s historical, spiritual, and pastoral significance, and the elevation of Our Lady of Arabia holds exceptional importance as it becomes the first Minor Basilica in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Church of Our Lady of Arabia is widely regarded as the mother church of Kuwait. Its roots date back to 1948, when the first chapel was established to serve the growing Catholic community. The present church was constructed in 1957 as a gift from the Kuwait Oil Company and has since stood as a spiritual home for Catholics of diverse nationalities living and working in the region.
Over the decades, the church has played a central role in nurturing faith, fostering unity, and providing pastoral care in the Gulf. Its proclamation as a Minor Basilica marks not only a recognition of its legacy but also a powerful symbol of continuity, coexistence, and religious heritage in the Arabian Peninsula.
In the quiet, verdant landscapes of Goa—where the Mandovi River winds gently and coconut palms sway in harmony with the breeze—lies the village of Tonca in Marcela, also known as Mashel. Nestled close to the serene island of St. Estevam, Tonca is a place where time moves slowly and faith quietly binds people closer than blood.
At the crossroads where paths from Tonca and St. Estevam converge once stood a simple stone Holy Cross. Weathered by monsoons and sun, it had witnessed generations pass by. More than a religious symbol, it was a silent companion to village life—children played in its shade, travellers paused for prayer, and families gathered during the Litany of the Cross.
Among those who grew up under its gaze were a group of boys who proudly called themselves the “Super Star Boys.” Bound by friendship, football, and mischief, they spent their childhood days chasing kites, stealing mangoes and cashews, and dreaming big dreams at that very crossroads.
As years passed, life led them far from Tonca—to Dubai, Kuwait, London, and beyond—in search of opportunities and stability. They built lives, families, and futures abroad, yet the pull of home never truly faded.
One December, many of them returned—not just for a visit, but for good. Drawn by nostalgia, they walked together to the old cross that had shaped their childhood. Time had taken its toll. The paint had peeled, the base had cracked, and the flowers had lost their colour. Though it still stood tall, it needed care.
That evening, over conversations, laughter, feni, and sorpotel, a decision was made. Without debate or hesitation, the Super Star Boys resolved to restore the Holy Cross—not as an obligation, but as an act of gratitude.
The village responded wholeheartedly. Contributions flowed in, and even Hindu families from nearby wards came forward, recognising the cross as a shared symbol of Tonca’s identity. “It belongs to all of us,” they said.
Work began soon after. Men who were once boys laboured side by side—some now grandfathers—laughing, singing old mandos, and reliving childhood memories as they worked. There were no leaders, only brothers united by purpose.
Weeks later, the restored cross stood renewed—clean, vibrant, adorned with fresh flowers and glowing lights. When the village gathered once more for the Litany of the Cross, voices rang louder, lanterns shone brighter, and the cross seemed to radiate a deeper sense of peace.
Children ran around it once again, just as the Super Star Boys once had.
What emerged from this small act was something far greater than restoration. It was a reminder that faith, friendship, and unity can endure time, distance, and change. In Tonca, a simple roadside cross became a testament to shared roots, collective memory, and the quiet strength of community—proving that sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning.
For decades, each new generation appeared to move further away from organised religion. Millennials and Gen X came of age during a period marked by increasing secularisation, skepticism toward institutions, and a preference for individual belief over communal practice. Gen Z, however, is beginning to disrupt that long-term trend in unexpected ways.
Multiple surveys across Western countries now indicate that Gen Z shows higher levels of church attendance and religious identification than Millennials and Gen X did at the same age. Many young people are not only attending weekly services but are also actively participating in faith-based communities, particularly within Christianity. This shift is less about inherited tradition and more about conscious choice.
Researchers point to rising anxiety, economic uncertainty, social fragmentation, and digital overload as major factors influencing this return. Gen Z has grown up in an era defined by constant connectivity, global crises, and unstable futures. In this environment, religion offers something increasingly rare: structure, predictability, and moral grounding. Faith communities provide spaces where identity is not curated for an audience, but lived in shared presence.
Churches that have adapted to these realities are seeing the strongest engagement. Those offering mentorship, mental health conversations, peer networks, and opportunities for service are resonating deeply with Gen Z. For many young attendees, the appeal lies not only in belief, but in the sense of belonging and care that comes from being part of an in-person community.
Unlike earlier generations that often rejected organised religion as rigid or irrelevant, Gen Z tends to approach faith pragmatically. Attendance is less about obligation and more about purpose. Religion is being used as a framework for meaning-making, discipline, and resilience in a world that often feels unstable and overwhelming.
Digital exhaustion has also played a role in this shift. After years of living online, many Gen Z individuals are actively seeking spaces that are slower, quieter, and more human. In-person worship, shared rituals, and moments of reflection offer relief from constant performance and comparison. In that sense, religious spaces have become one of the few remaining environments where presence matters more than visibility.
This renewed engagement does not necessarily signal a return to rigid or exclusionary belief systems. Many Gen Z participants favour inclusive, socially conscious faith communities aligned with values such as compassion, service, and justice. Their relationship with religion remains questioning and selective, but deeply intentional.
Gen Z’s return to faith is not a revival of the past, but a reimagining of belief for the present. It reflects a generation searching for stability, meaning, and connection—proof that in times of uncertainty, the pull toward community and purpose remains as strong as ever.
The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler witnessed a vibrant and faith-filled beginning to its two-day Christmas Fiesta with the successful completion of Day 1 celebrations on January 3 at the St. Anthony School Grounds. Organised to encourage local talent while celebrating faith, relationships and culture, the event drew an enthusiastic response from parishioners and visitors alike.
The festive grounds came alive with food stalls, face painting counters, activity zones and various stalls, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families and children. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of Christmas, marked by togetherness, joy and community participation.
Adding to the celebrations, parishioners took to the side stage to showcase their talents through soulful singing, expressive poetry recitations and energetic group dance performances. These presentations highlighted the creativity, confidence and cultural richness within the parish and were warmly appreciated by the audience.
From 6.30 pm onwards, the screening of the Konkani movie Mog Asum, by the makers of Nachoiam Kumpasar, added cultural depth to the evening and was well received by the gathering.
Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of the Mapusa Constituency, described the event as a lively experience that enables people to connect with one another. He noted that such celebrations play an important role in fostering community bonding.
Day 1 of the Christmas Fiesta was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Guest of Honour Marwin Gomes, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Goa, Rev. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SVD, Episcopal Vicar (Religious) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and Wilson D’Souza, DySP and SDPO, Mapusa. The parish also expressed its appreciation for the presence of Bro. Edmund Peter Lemos, Chairperson of St. Anthony’s Institute, and Cyril Fernandes, President of the Catholic Association of Goa.
The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler has invited everyone to be part of Day 2 of the Christmas Fiesta on January 4, featuring the tiatr ‘Don Dis Sonvsarantle’ by Ulhas Tari, with festivities continuing from 5 pm onwards. The parish extended heartfelt gratitude to all voluntee
