Sacred Heart Elevated
A milestone rooted in generosity and faith
TDT | Manama
On its 85th anniversary, Bahrain’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manama is set to reach a historic milestone.
The Kingdom’s oldest Catholic church will be officially designated the Vicarial Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on November 1st next year, marking a moment of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the region’s Catholic community.
A Pontifical Mass to celebrate the event will be held on November 8th, led by Bishop Aldo Berardi O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.
Bishop Berardi announced that a Rector will soon be appointed to lead the shrine, tasked with preserving its heritage, guiding its pastoral mission, and nurturing devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The appointment will begin a new chapter of renewal and unity for Catholics across Bahrain and the wider Gulf.
The Sacred Heart Church’s story traces back to 1939, when His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the then Amir of Bahrain and grandfather of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, generously donated land for its construction.
Following the gift, building responsibilities were entrusted to Fr. Luigi Magliacani, a Capuchin from Tuscany, under the direction of Monsignor Giovanni Battista Tirinnanzi, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Arabia.
The foundation stone was laid on June 9th 1939, and the church, priests’ residence, and a small school were completed within the same year.
The bells first rang on Christmas Eve 1939, and the church was formally blessed on March 3rd 1940 by Monsignor Tirinnanzi, earning it the title of Mother Church for Catholics across Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.
Symbol of harmony
As the parish marks its 85- year journey, its elevation to Vicarial Shrine status reaffirms the enduring friendship between Bahrain and the Catholic community.
The designation recognises the church not only as a spiritual centre but also as a living symbol of interreligious respect - a legacy that began with a royal gesture of generosity and continues as a testament to Bahrain’s inclusive spirit.
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