In the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia
(by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia)
The presence and testimony of Christians in the Arabian Peninsula is an interesting topic that deserves serious attention. From the perspective of external observers, and in particular the Western Church, it is often assumed that the region throughout its history has been aligned with Islam or associated with paganism. Other Christian confessions even today see it as a land to be evangelized, as if it had not been touched by the Gospel at all. Such a short-sighted view sometimes inflames religious tensions and sectarian violence, as most people in the region are naturally protective of their current faith.
Certainly, there is a pilgrim and migrant Church in today’s Arabian Peninsula, since the approximately three million Catholics under the pastoral care of the two apostolic vicariates of the Gulf are made up of migrant workers from many countries, mainly from South Asia. These workers bring with them their distinct traditions, cultures and religious diversity which they seek to maintain in a completely new environment. Sometimes their religious fervor clashes with the practices of their new Muslim neighbors. The Holy See, therefore, has always been attentive to the pastoral needs of the Catholic faithful, maintaining two ecclesiastical territories led by two bishops. This genuine concern for the well-being of Catholics in the Gulf is also clearly demonstrated by the two recent apostolic visits of Pope Francis to the United Arab Emirates (2019) and Bahrain (2022).
But the question is: is Christianity in the Arabian Peninsula a modern phenomenon brought only by expatriate communities in recent decades? History attests to the contrary. For one, a small number of Christians whose ancestry can date back far into history are still present in Bahrain. They are a valuable part of the nation-kingdom’s rich heritage and actively contribute to national life today. Secondly, recent archaeological discoveries in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have unveiled what were once vibrant Christian communities in the region.
A very interesting case is the story of the Christian Arabs of Najran (of the ancient Himyarite Kingdom in Yemen, now in present-day Saudi Arabia) who were martyred in the 6th century (year 523) for their deep faith in the divinity of Christ. The Catholic Church, along with several Christian denominations and traditions, venerates them as Saint Arethas and Companions and celebrates their feast every October 24th. Their martyrdom was quickly commemorated in the liturgies of many churches and monasteries during the Byzantine period. Although bitter theological disputes over the nature of Christ were dividing Christians, the veneration of these martyrs quickly became common throughout the known Christian world, regardless of one’s Christological belief or confession. The Orthodox Church considers Saint Arethas as a megalomartyr, evidence of the widespread devotion to the saint throughout the Byzantine Church. The Roman Martyrology kept the commemorative feast on October 24th.
Perhaps to put it another way, while St. Benedict of Nursia was quietly preparing the map of Western monasticism in an Italian monastery in the 6th century and St. Columba was traversing pagan Europe, around the same time, St. Arethas and his people gave their lives for Christ in an obscure oasis in southern Arabia. This only goes to show that, just as Christian philosophy in the West advanced during the Patristic era, Christianity also flourished in the East, specifically the Arabian Peninsula!
The Extraordinary Jubilee which marks the 1500th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Arethas and Companions (523-2023) represents an authentic opportunity for the Church in the Arabian Peninsula to re-examine its attitude and its mission in the region (www.avona.org). It would be timely to give due interest to the East in its Christian traditions and in its influence written in languages other than Latin or Greek, such as Syriac and Ge’ez. In these ancient writings, we are enlightened about the spiritual lineage of the Church in the East today.
More importantly, the Arabian Peninsula should rightly be seen as a spiritual home for millions of expatriate Christians living in the region today. Even though almost all will eventually take the road to return to their home countries, the region is still their spiritual home, a land that welcomed them and animated their faith. Christians in the Gulf today only continue the long history of Christian witness begun by their ancestors in faith, such as Saint Arethas.
The real challenge for every Christian in the Arabian Peninsula remains the same today as it was 1,500 years ago: how to be a disciple of Christ in a land of conflicting religions, tense political atmospheres and dominant economic interests? Saint Arethas and his Companions were martyred with bloodshed; Christians today are challenged by what Pope Francis calls “everyday martyrdom”: giving one’s life, having the spirit of martyrdom, means offering it in silence, in prayer, in the honest fulfillment of one’s duty: in this silence of daily life, giving life little by little. (Angelus of 23 June 2013)
Inspired by the Arab martyrs, Christians in the Arabian Peninsula today are called to constantly live their faith in a way that glorifies God. They are called to be a “daily martyr,” one who constantly bears living witness to Christ and his message in the little things of daily life. Even if we often cannot speak or testify openly about our faith, everyday life must be evangelized to account for the faith and to pass on the richness of our spiritual tradition to our children.
Catholic plurality is also our strength and richness: different rites, languages and spiritual traditions meet and unite. It is not the fact of maintaining a “museum ritual” but a living, strong ritual that is enriched with spiritual history and which can be shared and transmitted.
The challenge of unity makes us attentive to what is important and to the foundations of our faith. We are one in the Risen Lord for the glory of the Father in the Holy Spirit. The diversity of the members (1 Corinthians 12) reinforces the joy of being the Catholic Church in a land of contrasts and plurality.
The challenge of interreligious dialogue pushes us to be authentic and coherent, but also firm in the truth that is Christ. This dialogue is important to make us know and respect the different religions in the Peninsula. We want to be disciples of Christ and bearers of peace and justice.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia is made up of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait – where the apostolic nuncio resides – and Saudi Arabia. Four very different realities that push us to enter into dialogue and learn more about local history and the political and social situations. May we as Christians be a sign of the times and partners for the good of all and human development.
It is also true that the dialogue with local authorities is very different according to native traditions: freedom of worship is granted, sometimes with difficulty and pressures, or religious and cultural impediments. Catholics must adapt with faith and creativity. Our churches are certainly not enough, but we are confident in the presence of the Lord in the fruitful deserts of the Peninsula. We know that we are the Church, “as living stones for the construction of a spiritual building, for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God, through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter, 2, 5)
We have Christian ancestors who set an example for us. It is up to us to be witnesses of the Risen One.
*English translation of an article that appeared in L’Osservatore Romano on August 30, 2023. The original article in Italian can be found here.