A momentous occasion took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain, as a Mass marked the launch of the Pontifical Holy Childhood Society in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia.
Written by Kielce Gussie
On March 28, a new chapter unfolded with the inauguration of the Society’s center in the Cathedral, signifying a significant milestone for the local Catholic community.
Spanning across more than 130 countries globally, the Holy Childhood Society embodies the Church’s dedication to aiding children in need, especially those facing poverty, conflict, and crisis in disadvantaged areas.
With a mission rooted in fostering solidarity, prayer, and mutual support, the Society aims to ensure fundamental resources like education, healthcare, and overall well-being are accessible to children worldwide.
Transformative Power of Prayer
Bishop Aldo Berardi led the Mass that established the Society in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. His poignant homily encouraged attendees to embrace the Pontifical Society and emphasized the vital role of prayer in children’s lives.
The bishop’s message resonated with the belief that prayer and collective efforts have the potential to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable among us.
The Pontifical Holy Childhood Society transcends mere material support for children, aiming to instill a sense of universal responsibility and solidarity among them.
Following the Mass, 46 children took a solemn vow to pray, share, and assist, demonstrating their commitment to the Society’s noble cause.
Legacy of Compassion
Originating in the mid-1800s through the vision of French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson, the Society’s inception was inspired by a plea to aid children in China lacking the Sacrament of Baptism. Bishop de Forbin-Janson envisioned involving children in France to support their peers through prayer and tangible actions.
Each child pledged to pray one Hail Mary and contribute a small coin monthly, leading to the establishment of the Society on May 19, 1843, under the motto, “Children helping children.”
