Report and pics by Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/ Kuwait
Kuwait, July 28: It was a great day for more than a thousand Catholic community of Salmiya. Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI, proclaimed the Decree erecting Holy Redeemer Chapel -Salmiya into a Parish dedicated to St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The ceremony took place at 5.00 P.M. with a concelebrated Mass followed by a cultural program.
The Salmiya parish is situated at the centre of Indian community residential area opposite to the Indian Community School (Junior). Even though the Chapel was started in this premise on 5th February 1974, the first holy mass was celebrated in Salmiya during November 1959 by Bishop Teofano Ubaldo Stella OCD, at the residence of Mr. Archie Menezes. The present premises was renewed, extended and blessed by H.L. Bishop Francis Micallef during June, 2001.
Before the mass, Statue of St. Therese was brought with respect in a procession. An Introduction about the life of St. Therese was given by a parishioner. During the mass Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCI, proclaimed the Decree erecting Salmiya Chapel into a Parish dedicated to St. Therese of the Child Jesus. He appointed Rev. Fr. Berchmans Aruldoss, OCD as the first parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Thomas as Assistant Parish Priest.
As most of the parishioners attended were Indians, during his message Bishop Camillo Ballin asked everyone to make it as an universal church with all nationalities. As a symbolic representation, the offerings were offered by Indian, Philippines, Srilankan and Combo families. The new parish will cover surrounding areas like Sabah Al Salem, Salwa, Mishrif, Bayan, Salmiya and Maidan Hawalli..
The cultural program was started with cutting the cake by Bishop Camillo Ballin with all the priests and sisters of Carmel school. Songs, dances and spiritual skits were enacted by SPY group, Charismatic group, Couple for Christ and Malayali group. Sister Bernita, Fr. Tony and Fr. Melvin gave their messages and wishes to the parishioners. The entire program came to an end with a slide show of the past history of Salmiya Parish. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha’s efforts to make the chapel into a parish were remembered during the function. Light refreshments were served to the gathering at the end.
More details of church services can be accessed from the following website.
http://www.catholic-church.org/kuwait/
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