Manama (AsiaNews) - A ‘stimulating’ experience and, at the same time, full of ‘challenges’ in outlining the role of women in an increasingly synodal Church and in the context of Arab and Gulf society, commeted Sister Milagros Sandoval, a Filipina Sister of the Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS).
She was speaking at the two-day meeting promoted by the Vicariate of North Arabia under the slogan: ‘Women Discipleship and participation in a Synodal Church in Mission’ during which she offered a reflection on the topic from a missionary and spiritual perspective, focusing on the ‘possibilities and opportunities open to women’ in Bahrain and their ‘contribution’ to the ‘life’ and ‘mission’ of the local Church.
‘In informal conversations and work-sharing with Bahraini women, it emerges that a large number,’ the nun continues, ’are actively involved in their various ministries. In particular ‘as catechists, in Eucharistic celebrations (as Eucharistic ministers and readers), and in visiting people in prisons and detention centres’.
‘In these times of darkness, division and conflict in all forms of society, the programme for women in the Northern Vicariate (Avona),’ she concludes, “is light and hope for people” as well as a means to enhance their presence.
The event was held at the end of November in Bahrain on the initiative of the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Msgr. Aldo Berardi, a priest of the Order of the Holy Trinity and Slaves, who has been at the helm for almost two years in a territory that also includes Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
With the prelate and the nun, Pascale Debbane, official of the migrants and refugees section of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, and Fr. Joseph Savarimuthu, from the same dicastery, also spoke.
The two days of meetings and discussions were held at the Sacred Heart Parish and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, with the aim of empowering women within the Church and inspiring their active participation in Church missions. In his speech, the Vicar of Arabia, who first supported the initiative, recalled that ‘women are not only an integral part of our faith communities, but are also essential for the prosperity of our Church's mission. And this meeting,' Msgr. Berardi continued, ’is a testimony of our commitment to ensure their full participation.
Pascale Debbane elaborated on the ‘broader’ vision of synodality and the ‘significant’ role women can play in ‘shaping the mission and direction’ of the Church. The programme was enthusiastically attended and generated lively discussions on ways to further integrate women into decision-making processes and improve their visibility in Church doctrines and practices.
At the conclusion of the event, the commitment of the women of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia to ‘engage in fostering dialogue, promoting education and supporting initiatives that elevate the role of women in the Church’ was emphasised. ‘The success of this programme,’ the promoters concluded, ’marks a significant step towards empowering women in their spiritual and missionary journey.
