“May Our Lady of Arabia watch over us all”

At the start of the conflict in Iran, the bishops of the two vicariates that oversee the gulf countries of Arabia and more than 2 million Catholic faithful there issued statements. Both prayed, "May Our Lady of Arabia, our mother, watch over us all."

The two statements are brief, and encouraged the faithful to be attentive to instructions given by local authorities. The bishops also urged prayer and charity.

"Let us remain united in faith and charity, caring especially for the elderly, the sick, and the vulnerable," said the bishop of the Northern vicariate, Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T.

"Most of all it is a time for all of us to remain united in prayer for peace. I invite you all to pray the rosary every day for peace and reconciliation. During all Holy Masses, let us pray for peace and security of all people in this region," said the bishop of the southern one, Paolo Martinelli, OFMCap.

In 2011, the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia was divided into two: the Vicariates of Northern Arabia (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, with residence of the Bishop in Awali, Bahrain) and Southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen with the residence of the Bishop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).

At the same time, the responsibility to find mission personnel for Northern and Southern Vicariates was given to the General Superior of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. About 100 priests (of various religious institutes and dioceses) and 80 sisters, assisted by hundreds of trained volunteer catechists, serve the more than two million Catholics in the Arabian Peninsula.

Pope Leo made the Church of Our Lady of Arabia, the oldest church in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, a Minor Basilica, the first basilica of the Persian Gulf.

Her feast is in January (the Saturday before the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time).

Dear Mother, we call thee ‘Our Lady of Arabia’ to ask for thy blessing upon this country, and for thy loving protection on us. Keep ever thy child near Jesus in the happiness of sanctifying grace. Amen.

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Arabia and our Patroness! To you we offer up our prayers for the needs of the Church here and throughout the world. Help us to remain one with your Son Jesus and united amongst ourselves, so that we may be true witnesses for Christ in our daily lives and that the Lord’s blessings of peace and harmony be within our families and communities always. Trusting in your maternal intercession, we beseech you to hear our humble prayers and grant us the graces we seek… so that we may give glory to God forever. Amen.

Our Lady of Arabia, Pray for Us!