Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia celebrates San Francesco 800 at Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia

Bishop Aldo Berardi, the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, led a musical celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali, Bahrain, to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The event, titled San Francesco 800 – A Musical Journey of Faith, used music and storytelling to trace the spiritual life of the saint.

The program featured 21 musicians, 42 adult singers, and 17 children. Father Marcus Fernandes, OFM Cap., conceived and developed the musical presentation. During the event, Bishop Berardi spoke about the saint's devotion to God and the significance of the Transitus, the moment Saint Francis entrusted his life to the Lord.

Diplomats and cultural representatives attended the gathering, including ambassadors from France, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A representative from the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence was also present.