Sacred Heart Church Celebrates 85 Years, Highlights Bahrain's Inclusive Values

Manama: The Sacred Heart Church in Manama marked a major milestone this week, celebrating its 85th anniversary with a vibrant gathering that brought together religious leaders, diplomats, cultural figures and community representatives from across Bahrain’s diverse faiths and nationalities.

Among the attendees was Munira Nofal Al Doseri, Executive Director of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, who joined the celebration to highlight Bahrain’s deep-rooted tradition of embracing diversity.

In her address, Al Doseri said the occasion reflects the Kingdom’s long history as a welcoming home for people of different cultures and religions. She noted that Bahrain continues to lead the way in promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and meaningful dialogue – values strengthened under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

She emphasised the centre’s ongoing work with religious institutions and places of worship to introduce programmes that encourage understanding, build dialogue and support interfaith collaboration. These partnerships, she said, help position Bahrain as a global example of coexistence and respect for religious and cultural diversity.

Al Doseri also congratulated the church community on reaching 85 years of service, extending her appreciation to Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, Bishop Aldo Berardi, Father Francis Joseph and the entire team behind the Sacred Heart Church. She praised the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to volunteer work, community service and nurturing social harmony in Bahrain.

Bishop Aldo Berardi, speaking during the event, expressed his sincere gratitude to Bahrain for its commitment to religious freedom and mutual respect. He commended the Kingdom for fostering an environment where different communities live and work together and applauded the King Hamad Global Centre for its active role in spreading a culture of peace, compassion and coexistence.