Tens of thousands of Christians from Bahrain and across the region flocked to the National Stadium yesterday to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and heed his words of wisdom about unity, acceptance and fellowship.
According to government authorities, 111 nationalities and a total crowd of around 30,000 people woke up early yesterday to make it in time for the once-in-a-lifetime Mass gathering.
“This is a miracle,” said Mary Grace Fortes, 36, a Filipina who works at the reception of a hotel in Bahrain. “It’s so important for us.”
Like many Filipino women who work outside their country, she is married and sends money back home to help support her family, including her husband and 16-year-old son.
“We’re so blessed to live in a country that is so welcoming to all faiths,” Sulayma Mouawad, a Lebanese national who has lived in Bahrain for almost 15 years, told the GDN.
“It is so touching that His Majesty King Hamad invited Pope Francis here. Gestures like this have always made Bahrain feel like home, no matter what someone’s skin colour or religion is.
“This visit symbolises how people of many faiths can coexist in peace and harmony.”
Ms Mouawad, who also works in hospitality management, was at the event with her extended family, some of whom had flown in from across the region to attend the service.
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