← Back to Parish Home
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia
Devotion & Novena
The Sacred Statue · Patroness of Arabia · Perpetual Novena
The Sacred Image
The Statue of Our Lady of Arabia
Shrine · Ahmadi, Kuwait
To represent Our Lady under this title, Fr. Teofano Ubaldo Stella OCD commissioned a special statue to be made in Rome — carved from a solid block of cedar from Lebanon, embodying the dignity and beauty befitting the Queen of Arabia.
In a historic moment, Pope Pius XII himself blessed this statue in the Vatican Palace on 17th December 1949. The statue was formally enthroned above the altar in the Church in Ahmadi on 6th January 1950 and canonically crowned on 25th March 1960 with a crown blessed by Pope John XXIII, at a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Valerian Gracias.
The Statue of Our Lady of Arabia is a replica of the statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, venerated in her basilica on Mount Carmel — a fitting image for a Carmelite parish.
Carved from Lebanese Cedar
Crafted by an Italian firm in Rome at the request of Fr. Teofano Stella, OCD
Blessed by Pope Pius XII
Personally blessed in the Vatican Palace on 17 December 1949
Crown of Twelve Stars
Representing Catholics of twelve nationalities who gathered around her throne in Ahmadi
Her Royal Patronage
Patroness of the Arabian Peninsula
Through Papal decrees, Our Lady of Arabia was elevated as the Heavenly Patroness of all Catholics across the Arabian Gulf.
1957
Pontifical Decree — Regnum Mariae
Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady of Arabia the Principal Patron of the Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait on 25th January 1957.
2011
Patroness of Both Vicariates
On 5th January 2011, the Holy See proclaimed Our Lady of Arabia Patroness of both the Vicariate of Kuwait and the Vicariate of Arabia.
2011
Solemnity Proclaimed
A Solemnity in her honour is celebrated on the Saturday preceding the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, inaugurated by Cardinal Cañizares Llovera.
Perpetual Devotion
The Perpetual Novena
Celebrated every Saturday evening at the Shrine in Ahmadi. Select your language below.
English
Solemnity of Our Lady of Arabia
Patroness of the Apostolic Vicariates of the Gulf
Patroness of the Apostolic Vicariates of the Gulf
Mass I · Saturday before the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Entrance Antiphon Cf. Lk 1:68–69,70
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them; he has raised up for us a mighty savior, as he had promised to our fathers by the lips of his holy prophets.
R/. (Congregation is seated)
Opening Prayer
God our Father, you will all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of your Son Jesus Christ. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Arabia, grant that your Church in the Gulf and throughout the world may courageously proclaim your love for all men and women, so that mankind may find in you, the Creator and Father of all, the joy of newness of life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
R/. Amen.
General Intercessions
Through the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Arabia, let us raise our prayers with confidence to God our Father. Together, let us say:
R/. Hear us, O Lord!
- That the Church of God, the universal sacrament of salvation, following the example of Mary our mother, may carry to all mankind the good news of the Father's mercy. R/. Hear us, O Lord!
- That the Rulers of the countries in the Gulf and civil authorities throughout the whole world may lead their peoples on the paths of justice and peace. R/. Hear us, O Lord!
- That all the poor, the abandoned, those who are alone and away from their families, as well as prisoners and all refugees, may enjoy through the intercession of Mary the consolations of God and the generous assistance of their brothers. R/. Hear us, O Lord!
- That through the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Arabia, all the inhabitants of the Gulf region may live as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the same Father. R/. Hear us, O Lord!
- That our local community, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus and our mother, may be open to welcome all whom we encounter in our daily living. R/. Hear us, O Lord!
Father most Holy, you will that all men come to know your Son Jesus Christ. Accept our petitions and, in your infinite mercy, grant us our requests. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Prayer over the Gifts
With this bread and this wine, we offer to you, most Holy Father, source of all good gifts, our daily existence and we pray that it may always be lived for your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Communion Antiphon Cf. Lk 1:48
"All generations will call me blessed, for God has looked with favour on the humility of his servant."
Prayer after Communion
God our Father, we have received the Body and Blood of your Son. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Arabia, grant that they be our daily sustenance in announcing your Name to all the peoples. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Solemn Blessing
- May God the Father, source of all consolation, who has gathered you to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, fill you with his heavenly blessings. R/. Amen.
- May Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, strengthen in your hearts the joy of being his disciples. R/. Amen.
- May God the Holy Spirit, fount of eternal life, make you courageous witnesses of the Father's love for all creatures. R/. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son ✠ and the Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain forever.
R/. Amen.
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia