Bahrain:

The Church in the Arabian peninsula is preparing to commemorate the Holy Year marking the 1500th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Arethas and companions. As part of the opening of the Holy Year, one of the two Holy Doors of the Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Bahrain’s Awali was ceremoniously opened by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, who also presided over the Mass.

During the Mass, Bishop Berardi urged Catholics to emulate the faith, bravery, and tenacity of the martyrs who lost their lives in the service of Christ. He said, “The martyrs maintained the Christian faith despite ridicule, persecution, and threats”. “They stood firm in their faith. Looking to the past inspires us. Life in the past was no easier than it is today,” the prelate added.

The homily was given by Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Apostolic Nuncio to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The prelate recalled that Christians are persecuted in various parts of the world and also urged the faithful in the Arabian Peninsula to bear witness to the Gospel of Love proclaimed by Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia's faithful will commemorate the opening of their own Holy Door on November 9. Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, will preside over the Mass and open the Holy Door at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Pope Francis signed a decree in August 2023 to officially open the Jubilee of the Martyrs of Arabia from October 24, 2023, to October 23, 2024. The decree also offers faithful who travel to the parishes of St. Arethas, the Cathedral of St. Joseph or the Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral a plenary indulgence.

St. Arethas and his companions endured martyrdom in 523 AD at the hands of King Dhu Nuwas, who began a violent persecution of Christians in the region. They are venerated in both Catholic and Orthodox Churches.