#faith

Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Kuwait Elevated to Minor Basilica Status


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

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.

International

Kuwait Unites in Well-Wishes for Ahmed Al-Jarallah’s Recovery After Successful Surgery in France


Kuwait’s spirit of unity and compassion was on full display as messages of love, respect, and prayers poured in for Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers, following his successful surgery in France.

The country’s leadership, ambassadors, writers, and citizens expressed heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery. His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad sent a message of congratulations, expressing sincere wishes for Al-Jarallah’s health and wellbeing, while praising his lifelong contribution to Kuwaiti media and culture. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf also conveyed his blessings and prayers, wishing the veteran journalist continued strength, good health, and success in his work.

Renowned poet and writer Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah expressed deep gratitude for Al-Jarallah’s recovery, thanking Allah for his safety and commending his decades-long role in shaping Kuwaiti media. Similar messages came from prominent figures including Amir Al-Fahad Al-Malik, Sheikh Khalifa Abdullah Al-Jaber, and journalist Asaad Abdullah Al-Jarallah, who referred to him as “a man of wisdom and insight.”

International well-wishes also arrived, with the Ambassadors of Morocco and Oman to Kuwait sending congratulatory messages, praying for his speedy return to good health.

In his reply, Ahmed Al-Jarallah extended his gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, his family, and well-wishers across the Arab world. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf for their kind gestures, as well as ambassadors, friends, and readers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE who reached out to him.

He also expressed appreciation for Ambassador Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Shaheen and Dr. Ali Al-Mousawi for their dedicated support during his treatment in France, and extended special thanks to Dr. Suad Al-Sabah, businessman Ahmed Al-Hamad, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hanouf Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz.

Ahmed Al-Jarallah’s recovery brought together the leadership and people of Kuwait in an inspiring display of national solidarity — a reflection of the country’s heart and the immense respect the veteran journalist continues to command.