By decree of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples the Vicariate of Kuwait and the Vicariate of Arabia (the two Vicariates of the Arabian Peninsula) have undergone a re-organization of territories and a modification of title with effect from May 31, 2011.
The Vicariate of Kuwait is now known as "The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia" and includes the territories of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, mccj, became the first Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.
The Vicariate of Arabia is now known as "The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia" and includes the territories of the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen. The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia is under the pastoral care of His Lordship Bishop Paul Hinder, OFM Cap. He has assumed the title of "Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia".
The two ecclesiastical territories have been re-organized due to the previous unequal distribution of the territories of the two Vicariates and also because both the Vicariates have been entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.)
The two Vicariates of the Arabian Peninsula have been re-organized after almost 58 years. The faithful are urged to keep this significant event in their prayers, at the same time asking the Lord for his blessing on both the Vicariates. May Our Lady of Arabia continue to intercede for us at this special time.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TWO VICARIATES
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1889 |
Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia (previously AV of Aden) was created.
It comprised of Kuwait, the U.A.E., Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. |
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1953 |
Prefecture Apostolic of Kuwait was erected.
Kuwait was detached from AV of Arabia. |
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1954 |
Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait was created.
Prefecture Apostolic of Kuwait was raised to the level of a Vicariate. |
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2011 |
Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (previously AV of Kuwait) was created, comprising of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (previously AV of Arabia) was created, comprising of the U.A.E., Oman and Yemen.
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