Kuwait – Historical Timeline …

Historical Timeline ...

Kuwait

..The Co-Cathedral exists for all the Catholics in Kuwait. It is a ‘living church’, encompassing many activities within its active and diverse ministry. As for geographical representation, the Indian community forms the majority, followed by the Filipino community. A large number of Arab Catholics, also, Lebanese of the Maronite Rite worship here. Besides, some Americans, Europeans and other Asians can be counted among the faithful. Services in the Vicariate are conducted in English, Arabic, Tagalog, French, Konkani, Sinhalese, Bengali, Malayalam and Tamil …

As a community, we seek to fulfill the words of Ephesians 2:19-20: “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”

Significant Events in the History of the Holy Family Co-Cathedral

4 Jun 1955	H.L. Bishop Stella, OCD is installed as the first Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait.
1956	The Co-Cathedral, very modern and unique in its architecture, begins to take shape on land graciously allocated by H.H. The Amir, and the Government of Kuwait.
27 Jan 1957	Day chosen for the laying of the first stone (cornerstone).
16 Mar 1961	The Cathedral was solemnly blessed and consecrated.
17 Mar 1966	Rev. Fr. San Miguel, OCD is appointed Apostolic Administrator of Kuwait, following the resignation of Bishop Stella.
1974 – 75	The stained glass windows of the Cathedral were crafted at the studios of “Vidriearas de Arte” in Bilbao.
31 May 1976	H.L. Bishop San Miguel, OCD is installed as Second Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait.
1976	The stained glass windows of the Cathedral were installed in the Cathedral with the help of local artists.
15 Jan 1982	H.L. Bishop Francis Micallef, OCD is installed as Third Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, following the retirement of Bishop San Miguel.
1996	Plans for the new Cathedral Complex begin to take shape.
Oct 1997	The new buildings of the Cathedral Complex are inaugurated.
2 Sep 2005	Episcopal Ordination of H.L. Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI. He is installed as Fourth Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, following the retirement of Bishop Francis Micallef.
18 January 2011	Inaugural Solemnity of Our Lady of Arabia. HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL ANTONIO CAÑIZARES LLOVERA (Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments) arrived in Kuwait to personally inaugurate the special occasion.
31 May 2011	Eucharistic Celebration and Inauguration of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia.
10 December 2021	It has been decreed that the Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait will henceforth be called Holy Family Co-Cathedral following the inauguration and consecration of Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Bahrain.