SW News: On his last day in Bahrain, Pope Francis recalled that he called the clergy, religious, and catechists to spread the joy of God to the entire world. On the final day of his visit, the pontiff held a prayer meeting and Angelus with the Bishops, priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers in Sacred Heart Church in the capital city of Manama.

Three small children presented the Holy Father with bouquets welcoming him to the first Catholic church in the country. He was accompanied to the presbytery with hymns followed by welcoming words from the Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia, Bishop Paul Hinder. Then the Pope listened to the testimonies of a laywoman and a nun, representing the group gathered.

In his final speech of the trip, Pope Francis expressed his affinity for all the Middle Eastern peoples who are suffering. He declared, "It is beautiful to belong to a Church made up of diverse stories and faces that find harmony in the one face of Jesus." Noting that some of those gathered are from Lebanon, the Holy Father assured his closeness and prayers to them.

His reflections depended on the Sunday reading from the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks about the spring of life. The pope said he was reminded of their country by Jesus' words about the living stream pouring from Christ.

Reminding all that they became Christians in Baptism with the living water of the Spirit was given to all; the Holy Father spoke about the three gifts the Holy Spirit provides and asks to live: joy, unity, and prophecy.

Firstly, the pontiff says the Holy Spirit is a wellspring of joy. The Spirit is the one who stays by our sides; he is the Comforter; he uplifts us with his subdued but helpful presence, walks with us in love and supports us through trials and problems. The satisfaction of having a close relationship with God is knowing that, despite the challenges and the sometimes nights we face, He is with us and that we are not lost or defeated. "To you, who have discovered this joy and live it in community, I would like to say: preserve it, even more, multiply it. And do you know what is the best way? Giving it", the Pope says.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is the source of unity. The Vicar of Christ says, "All those who receive Him receive the Father's love and are made his sons and daughters, and, if children of God, also brothers and sisters to one another." With this, the Pope intends to say that with the Holy Spirit, there won't be divisions, fights, or slanders. The Pope said the Spirit inaugurates the one language of love. He added that the Spirit "breaks down the barriers of distrust and hate to create space for acceptance and dialogue. He frees us from fear and instills the courage to go out and meet others with the unarmed and disarming force of mercy."

The Pope further urged those gathered to be the guardians and builders of unity to live in fraternity among the faithful.

Referring to the third gift, the Pope says the Spirit is a wellspring of prophecy. He emphasized that the prophets have an inward illumination from the Holy Spirit that enables them to be wise interpreters of reality and to reveal God's presence to the people, even when their words are harsh for denouncing evil, exposing lies, and urging repentance. The Holy Father said, "We, too, have this prophetic vocation. All who are baptized have received the Spirit, and so become prophets."

At the end of his speech, Pope Francis led the Angelus prayer. He also thanked the King and the authorities for his days in Bahrain. 

The pontiff recalled the prayers of the faithful for peace as the world underwent war and turned his attention specifically to Ethiopia and Ukraine. The Pope said, "The agreement that has been signed concerning the situation in Ethiopia is a hope." He also urged all to defend the attempt for lasting peace. The Holy Father also prayed for peace in Ukraine.

The Sacred Heart Church is the first parish and one of the country's only two Roman Catholic churches. On the recommendation of Bishop Giovanni Tirinanzi, the then Apostolic Vicar of Arabia, the then ruler offered the land to build the church. The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1939 and was formally consecrated on March 3, 1940.