Media Release
Manama, Mar 5: Embark on a Sacred Journey Through the Holy Door at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain is a beacon of spiritual light and hope for Catholics, it is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of peace and unity.
One of the most sacred and revered traditions at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia is the holy door pilgrimage. The Holy Door is a symbolic entrance to the cathedral that is opened during special Jubilee years of St Arethas.
During the ceremony of the opening of the holy door, the decree of the jubilee issued by Pope Francis through the apostolic penitentiary was proclaimed. The decree grants to the two apostolic vicariates in the Arabian Gulf the authority to hold an extraordinary jubilee on the occasion of the solemn celebrations in honour of Saint Arethas and companions, martyrs, from October 24, 2023, to October 23, 2024. The inauguration took place on November 4, 2023, at the cathedral of Our lady of Arabia, Awali, Bishop Aldo Berardi O SST apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, preceded over blessing the Holy door.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit the cathedral during this Jubilee years to pass through the Holy Door, seeking plenerary indulgence, a truly repentant Christian faithful who is animated by charity, which can also be applied to the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory, as pilgrims pass through the Holy Door, they are presented with 8 steps of the pilgrimage which are, Icon of St Arethas, Our Lady of Arabia Chapel, Baptismal Pool, Main Altar, The Mystical Crown (16icons), Bishop's Chair, Chapel of Reconciliation and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
The holy door pilgrimage at the cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia is a unique and powerful experience for all who undertake it. It is a physical and spiritual journey that requires participants to reflect on their lives, seek forgiveness for their sins, and renew their faith in God. The act of passing through the Holy Door is seen as a metaphorical passage from sin to grace, from darkness to light.
The pilgrimage strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, reminding them of their shared mission to love and serve God and their experience is one of spiritual renewal and transformation. It is a time of grace and blessing. It is a time to open our hearts and minds to the transforming power of God’s grace, and to step through the Holy Door into a new and brighter future.
The cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Awali, Bahrain, dedicated to Our Lady of Arabia. It serves as the seat of the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia. It was inaugurated on December 9, 2021, by His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. It is the largest Catholic church in the Arabian Peninsula.