A series of events organised by This is Bahrain and the Italian Embassy and taking place in June this year will commemorate Bahrain’s commitment to dialogue, coexistence, and respect for diversity.
The celebration will mark two historic milestones – the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, the founder of modern Bahrain, and the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi, a renowned Italian friar.
“This year, as we commemorate the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’ passing, we do so in a uniquely meaningful context here in Bahrain – during the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, the architect of modern Bahrain, whose vision and values closely echoed those of Saint Francis – tolerance, compassion, and a deep respect for human dignity,” This is Bahrain chairperson Betsy Mathieson said in her prepared remarks during a ceremony held on Tuesday.
Ms Mathieson addresses attendees
“In this spirit, This Is Bahrain is deeply honoured to collaborate with the Italian Embassy in Manama to host these unique celebrations – and it is truly our privilege to work alongside Ambassador Andrea Catalano and his team on these exciting events planned for later this year here in Bahrain, bringing together history, faith, and shared values in a way that is both timely and timeless.
“Today, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, these timeless values are not only preserved, but actively advanced and elevated on the global stage.”
Saint Francis of Assisi lived from 1181/82 until his death in 1226. The Italian Catholic friar founded the Franciscan order of friars and is revered as the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Three events have so far been confirmed for the 800-year celebrations, including an intercultural and inter-religious conference, a national drawing competition and a concert.
The conference will bring together leaders and scholars to reflect on the universal message of peace associated with Saint Francis, including “his friendship with the Sultan of Egypt, the ‘Economy of St Francis’ as a response to modern-day scarcity and poverty, and the ‘Ecology of St Francis’ as a call to preserve the earth and regenerate resources,” according to the Italian Embassy.
The drawing competition will bring together schoolchildren and young artists, encouraging them to explore themes of peace, friendship, and nature.
The concert, Cantico delle Creature (Italian: Canticle of the Creatures), will celebrate the values of Saint Francis and his message of harmony with animals and nature.
“Eight centuries may have passed, yet the voice of Saint Francis still speaks to our world,” Mr Catalano added in his speech.
Mr Catalano speaks at the event
“His call to peace and dialogue, once bridging cultures in a time of conflict, resounds with urgency in our own era of division and war.
“His legacy reminds us that the path to harmony is not found in conquest, but in compassion; not in walls, but in bridges; not in silence, but in dialogue.
“In listening to his timeless message, we discover the courage to heal the fractures of our modern age and to sow seeds of peace where discord reigns.”
The ambassador added that these values of peace and dialogue continue to characterise Italian diplomacy today.
This is Bahrain and Italian Embassy representatives with attendees at the unveiling ceremony
The specific dates for the events will be announced in the coming weeks.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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