The Hidden Catholics of Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia there is no Catholic temple or Christian public veneration; however, it is estimated that in the kingdom they live around a million and a half Catholics, almost all Filipino and Indian migrant workers, who live their faith in private prayer.
🌹 Wonders and anecdotes
- The faithful pray in private houses, in the places where they work and in the chapels of embassies, with discreet celebrations; many travel to Baréin or other neighbouring countries to attend Mass.
- Since 31 May 2011, the country belongs to the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia, based in Awali (Barein), next to Kuwait, Barein and Catar.
- Bibles and crucifixes are only allowed for private use, and conversion from Islam is considered apostasy; yet faith persevere.
- There are signs of openness: since 2018 the religious police have stopped applying the ban on Christian services and a Coptic Mass was held openly in Riyadh for the first time; in 2007 Benedict XVI received King Abdala in the Vatican.
The Catholics of Saudi Arabia
It is perhaps the largest hidden Catholic community in the world: hundreds of thousands of faithful who pray the Rosary in a low voice, away from home, trusting the Mother of God to their families and their freedom.
"St. Mary, Mother of those who pray in the hidden, pray for the Catholics of Arabia.
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