Hundreds of worshippers gathered for an interfaith prayer service for peace at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali last night.
The service was organised by This Is Bahrain, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, in co-ordination with the cathedral, and came in the wake of a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
It was also held live online on the cathedral’s YouTube channel (@CathedralofOurLadyof Arabia) attracting more than 150 viewers from around the world.
Prayers were led by the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Bishop Aldo Berardi, and the service was also attended by officials, including Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi.
Other notable dignitaries included US ambassador Stephanie Hallett, Italian ambassador Andrea Catalano and Japanese ambassador Asako Okai.
Bishop Berardi began the service by welcoming the ceasefire and praising Bahrain for its role in consolidating unity and religious tolerance.
“This is a great moment for us, one where different traditions and religions come together as one to pray for peace,” he said. “The service may have been organised at short notice but everybody involved responded immediately.
“We finally have relief (the ceasefire between the US and Iran) and today we are praying again for peace.
“Bahrain has wonderfully given us the freedom to express ourselves religiously, and for that we are forever grateful.
“Let us pray for the nation and the region.”
The service included an invocation of the Holy Spirit, a reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, along with psalms, gospels and prayers performed in English and Arabic.
During the ceremony, This Is Bahrain chairperson Betsy Mathieson expressed her appreciation to His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their vision and dedication towards ensuring a peaceful Bahrain, where everyone can freely practise their faith.
She also praised the authorities, including the kingdom’s government, the Bahrain Defence Force, the Civil Defence and the Interior Ministry for their tireless efforts in protecting the people during uncertain times.
“Their dedication and vigilance have kept us safe, allowing us to live our lives with assurance and confidence during these difficult moments,” said Ms Mathieson. “We stand together, different faiths, one family, united in prayer, hope and a shared longing for peace and belief.
“At moments of uncertainty, the strength of the kingdom’s leadership is felt most deeply.
“We, the people of Bahrain, will stand by our kingdom. Our faith is strong, our unity unshaken, and love unwavering.
“This evening, we pray for peace, not only in Bahrain and the region, but also the rest of the world.
“May wisdom guide the leaders, compassion soften their hearts, and may understanding triumph over division.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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