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October 14, 2022Bahrain.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Greetings of Peace from Bahrain.
In my last announcement, I had invited suggestions and recommendations to be sent to the central committee on how the tickets were to be distributed in the parishes of the countries of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia.
Following this procedure, quotas have been assigned to the countries of AVONA and the distribution of invitations for a small representation of the faithful in some countries has commenced. Those who have received invitations and have submitted their contact details to the respective parish coordinators can expect to receive the details of their pass in due course through email. I am happy to announce that the authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain have notified that they will issue an eVisa for all those who hold a valid entry pass. Details of the system will be announced on the website.
At this point, we express our gratitude to the authorities in Bahrain who have been working hard to make the necessary arrangements for the success of the Papal Visit, especially the Papal Mass.
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, having received inputs from the parish priests with the Parish Councils, and the assistant priests with their respective coordinators it has been decided to use a quota system based on the major language groups and nationalities and to issue invitation tokens to a small representation from the different sectors and categories. As time is limited, this process will commence
immediately. Those who receive the invitation tokens and have submitted their contact details will be registered on a special portal opened by the government for this purpose, after which they will receive details by email on how to receive their entry ticket.
I know that many of you may be disappointed in not being able to secure an invitation to the Papal Mass. At the same time, we have to keep in mind that the size of the stadium is not able to fit the size of our Catholic community in Bahrain, much less the Catholic community in the Vicariate. Let us also remember some of the faithful of the neighbouring countries which are much bigger in size and are making huge sacrifices even to travel to the venue. As the host country, I request the understanding of the faithful in Bahrain and to maintain the spirit of prayer, peace, joy, and welcome.
The Holy Mass and the other activities of the Holy Father will be streamed live and I invite all of you to join in the celebration. Irrespective of where we are stationed physically, we will all join the Holy Father as one community united in prayer. I remind you once again the motto of the Papal Visit, “Peace on earth to people of goodwill.” May we who are blessed with the gift of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ also enjoy the gift of His peace.
Let us express our gratitude to God once again for the opportunity of the Papal Visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain and may the Lord bless all of you.
+ Bishop Paul Hinder O.F.M. Cap.
Apostolic Administrator - AVONA