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Pope's Blessings : Golden Jubilee

... The Church which was inaugurated as Holy Redeemer Chapel in 1974 was born of a need that arose when residents from India began to converge on Salmiya and its neighbouring localities. The availability of Indian schools in the area was one of the reasons why a number of families settled here. Vast distances from Kuwait City (wherein is situated the Holy Family Cathedral), as well as in-sufficient transport facilities to and from the city might have contributed to a growing need for a place of worship so that the Catholic faithful could perform their weekly religious obligation.

From a humble congregation of 40 faithful in 1959, the congregation now exceeds a thousand families!

Significant Events in the History of St. Thérèse Church 3 Nov 1959 The first weekly Holy Mass was celebrated at Salmiya on Tuesday, 3 November, 1959 by Msgr. Stella at the suggestion of Mr. Archie Menezes, a parishioner, at whose residence the Mass was celebrated. The strength of the faithful at that time was around 40, but it gradually increased to almost 80, especially in the summer months when the Service was held on the terrace. 1967 New premises (in Salmiya itself) were secured for use as a Chapel by Mr. Menezes, and these premises were used until 1970. 1970 The Chapel shifts location again! Mr. Menezes managed to acquire a villa with a garage and a courtyard which was later converted into a big hall sufficient to accommodate over 100 parishioners. 1974 Owing to complaints from the neighbours, the landlord requested that the Chapel be shifted to another location and he offered new premises but this was not convenient for the faithful. 1974 The present premises (where the Church stands today) were secured in January 1974. 5 Feb 1974 Msgr. Victor San Miguel agreed to bear the expense of renovating this new place. On Wednesday, February 5, 1974, at 6.30 p.m. he performed the opening ceremony of the new Chapel and dedicated the Chapel to the Holy Redeemer. 1990 Even during the invasion, the weekly Services were never interrupted for a single week. They were held whenever possible.   2000 The Chapel premises were closed (the first time since its inception in 1974)  for almost six months for renovation and extension. 8 Jun 2001 The "new" extended chapel with annexe was inaugurated and blessed by H.L. Bishop Francis Micallef on Friday, 8th June, 2001. Among those present at the ceremony, were Vatican Chargé D'Affaires - Monsignor Giuseppe De Andrea, the clergy and members of the Catholic community in Kuwait. 28 July 2006 Following a Decree by His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI, the name of the Holy Redeemer Chapel has been changed to "Church of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus", at the same time formally erecting it into a Parish. Rev. Fr. Berchmans Aruldoss, OCD was installed as first Parish Priest. A residence for the Parish Priest has also been secured in the neighbouring building. 2 Oct 2006 St. Thérèse Parish, Salmiya, celebrated its FIRST Parish Feast on 2nd October, 2006. The event was made more memorable as Monsignor Arnaldo Catalan (Apostolic Nunciature in Kuwait) handed over to the Parish Priest, a relic of St. Thérèse and a relic of the True Cross, which had been in his custody for a long time. The small relic of St. Thérèse is a first class relic since it contains ashes of the saint. The inscription “S.Theres J.Inf.” identifies this relic. The relic of the True Cross is the first class relic of the True Cross and is identified by the inscription “S.S.Crucis D.N.J.C”. More Information about the Relics 3 Aug 2008 His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI, Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait entrusted St. Thérèse Parish to the pastoral care of the Salesians, appointing Rev. Fr. Tony D`Souza as the first Salesian Parish Priest. This Parish was previously under the spiritual guidance and care of the Discalced Carmelites in Kuwait. 3 Nov 2009 St. Thérèse Parish, Salmiya, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its inception. The festive concelebrated Mass on the Golden Jubilee day was presided by His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, mccj. Present at the Eucharistic celebration were Fr. Michael Fernandes - Salesian Provincial, the priests of the Vicariate of Kuwait and Mr. Archie Menezes, the pioneer of the Salmiya Catholic community. The Golden Jubilee Celebration: Photo Album 17 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.