We Are Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish

ACI Prensa Staff, Jul 16, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

In Saudi Arabia, a theocratic monarchy where Islam is the official and only permitted religion, religious freedom does not exist. However, according to data maintained by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, a considerable number of Catholics live in its vast territory — which covers more than 772,200 square miles, slightly larger than Mexico.

“The vast majority of non-Muslims have no religious freedom. Among them, there are more than 1 million Catholics,” explained Bishop Aldo Berardi, who has headed this ecclesiastical jurisdiction since 2023, which also includes Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. The entire apostolic territory is home to nearly 35 million people, of whom more than 2 million are Catholics.

Unlike other countries in the region that have shown small signs of religious openness — such as Qatar, where the construction of a church complex was permitted in 2008 — when it comes to religious freedom Saudi Arabia remains one of the most restrictive states in the world, as reported by organizations such as Open Doors and Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

In the country, ruled with an iron fist by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, conversion to another religion is considered apostasy and is punishable by death, as is any blasphemy against Islam.

‘Lives are at stake’

“I can’t tell you everything because lives are at stake. But what I can say is that they are not abandoned. We communicate, we organize ourselves, we enter [the country] when we can, and if not, we are present online. There is a living Church, discreet, but deeply connected to the universal Church and the bishop,” Berardi cautiously emphasized.

He explained, without going into detail, that the faithful gather clandestinely “according to language, rite, spirituality.”

“There are charismatics, Marians, Trinitarians. The families who arrive there look for Christian groups to share with, and news spreads among them,” he stated.

The Catholics residing in Saudi Arabia are, above all, foreign workers who have to live their faith in complete secrecy.

As the bishop explained in a press conference organized by Institutional Communications (ISCOM, by its Italian acronym), these faithful — mostly Filipinos and Indians — live scattered throughout Saudi Arabia, unable to meet officially and under constant surveillance.

Catholic families “follow Mass online,” he explained. However, “they don’t do so with the sacraments as we know them, but rather they develop groups for prayer, formation, and catechesis.”

Amid the repression, the internet has become a formidable tool: “Now everything is a little easier with the internet. It offers us certain possibilities, such as those for formation, courses we can teach, retreats… Everything is done with absolute discretion, because everything is prohibited,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, when there is a possibility to preside over “a celebration, there is one, but always with protection.”

A dispersed Church in the hands of the laity

However, the apostolic vicar noted that the majority “have no access to anything,” as many live in rural areas or small towns. “There are Catholics all over the country, because they hire nurses or technicians for hospitals and teachers for schools everywhere. There is a complete dispersion of Catholics,” he explained.

Berardi, a member of the Trinitarians, whose charism entails helping persecuted Christians, also explained that, despite the restrictions, the Catholic Church has managed to sustain believers thanks to a network of lay-led communities.

“It’s a beautiful experience to see the laypeople responsible for communities, for education, for prayer, and for worship. They, the families, [teach] the catechism. Everything is in their hands,” he stated.

Wave of repression after the 1979 Iranian revolution

The repression intensified, as the vicar explained, after Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. The Sunni Kingdom of Saudi Arabia further tightened its internal religious control in an attempt to consolidate its legitimacy in the face of the Shia ideological challenge from Tehran. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini harshly criticized the Saudi regime for “allowing missionaries, priests, and pastors to enter,” he explained.

As a consequence, “they expelled them and totally prohibited non-Muslim worship. Since then, nothing has been authorized,” he lamented.

The apostolic vicar stressed that having the presence of the clergy in the country could be beneficial even for the Saudi authorities.

“Our form of organization is hierarchical, well identified. It’s not like in other communities where it’s not known who’s in charge, who speaks in the name of who. For Catholics, everything is more systematic. If we are allowed to be present with a clergy and an organization, it would be even safer for all,” he said.

This proposal, presented as a factor of stability for the regime, has not been fruitless: “Sometimes they invite someone from Rome to their conferences on Islamic dialogue. But nothing concrete for the moment. We are subject to politics, to the vagaries of the region.”

Fleeting contacts with the Holy See

Furthermore, although Saudi Arabia does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See — unlike other countries in the region such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Emirates — Berardi confirmed that informal contacts have taken place on specific occasions.

“Sometimes it has happened that a letter that has passed through the hands of diplomats, between embassies, or a letter from the Saudi Embassy in Rome reaches the Holy See. It seems there is a desire for dialogue, but Islamic tradition blocks it. For them, Saudi Arabia is a great mosque. Steps are taken little by little,” he noted.

Despite these circumstances, the vitality of the Catholic communities in the gulf has not disappeared. Berardi confirmed that some people will participate in the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to Aug. 3: “We always send someone, even if it’s just one person. For the Jubilee of Priests, we sent 10. Now, about 40 young people from the four countries will attend.”

“Between the visa, the cost, and getting time off from work, it’s not easy, but we’re taking care of it,” he added.

In any case, he made it clear that at this time they are not demanding full religious freedom from the Saudi regime, “understood as being able to have a religion, change religion, or have none at all,” but rather to be guaranteed freedom of worship.

“We ask that those who are not of their religion be allowed to conduct their worship. We want to care for the millions of Catholics there,” he stated.

Saudi Arabia’s youth want change

Asked about the future prospects, Berardi was cautious but hopeful: “Social openness in the country has taken hold very quickly, although the older generation is still alive and there can be tensions. However, 60%-70% of the country is under 30 years old, and this younger generation wants change because they see what’s happening in the world and don’t understand why their country can’t be open.”

Therefore, his hope is for progress in the short term: “They will allow it one day. Not complete religious freedom, but freedom of worship. That’s what we’re asking for.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Leuven, Belgium, Jul 16, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

The Benedictine community at Keizersberg Abbey in Leuven, Belgium, has been temporarily dissolved following allegations of abusive behavior among adults, according to an official declaration released by the head of the Sublacense-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation.

Abbot President Ignasi M. Fossas, OSB, announced sweeping disciplinary measures affecting multiple monasteries in the Flemish-Dutch province, including the suspension of community life at Keizersberg Abbey and the temporary prohibition of public ministry for several monks. 

“The archdiocese is not publishing any statement on Keizersberg,” the press office said in response to a request from CNA, referring to the abbey’s comprehensive statement.

In his declaration, Fossas announced an extraordinary canonical visitation of all monasteries in the Flemish-Dutch province, including Dendermonde, Affligem, Steenbrugge, and Doetinchem/Slangenburg. The comprehensive review aims to verify the situation of each community and ensure effective governance structures.

“The work of the visitation may continue for several months,” Fossas stated in the official document released from Rome.

The extraordinary measures follow a canonical visitation that began in 2022 and was completed in January as well as a commission of inquiry into abuse allegations established in November 2024.

Community life suspended, multiple disciplinary actions taken

The four remaining monks at Keizersberg Abbey have been required to relocate to other abbeys since November 2024, when Fossas first suspended the community’s common life. Each monk maintains a residence imposed by the abbot president, and the situation will be reviewed during the ongoing extraordinary visitation.

According to Belgian media reports, complaints were filed with the Church’s reporting center for sexual abuse, which forwarded the case to federal prosecutors. The Leuven prosecutor’s office confirmed receiving the case for detailed review.

The investigation has resulted in several disciplinary measures across the province.

At Keizersberg Abbey:

— A monk has been temporarily suspended from diaconal ministry due to “defects of form in his ordination to the diaconate.”

— The same individual is prohibited from any public activity as a Benedictine monk as a precautionary measure.

— His case will be presented to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life for final determination.

At Doetinchem/Slangenburg:

— The abbot has been suspended from his office as a precautionary measure.

— He is prohibited from public exercise of priestly ministry.

— His dossier will also be forwarded to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life for decision.

Fossas emphasized that the allegations do not involve sexual abuse of minors but rather “transgressive behavior between adults.” He described the situation as revealing “personal and structural fragility” affecting the monasteries in various ways.

“The canonical measures decided are precautionary and not punitive,” Fossas explained. “They are temporary measures that suspend the exercise of a ministry, but do not suppress it, until the corresponding legislative body gives a conclusion.”

Keizersberg Abbey, located above the Vaartkom in Leuven, has been operating with only four monks in a separate wing. The remainder of the large complex continues to house entrepreneurs, creative professionals, artists, and student housing.

The Abbey of Affligem, also part of the investigation, was found to have “no concrete evidence of abusive behavior that constitutes criminal offenses,” though the small number of monks poses “canonical and structural difficulties” that the congregation will address.

Apology and commitment to justice

In his declaration, Fossas expressed “sadness, shame, and pain for the harm caused to the victims” and offered sincere apologies while making himself available to assist within his possibilities.

He emphasized his determination to continue the reform process begun at the start of his service and expressed “full availability of the Benedictines to collaborate with the judicial authority.”

The abbot president also acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that while the process highlights failings in some individuals and governance structures, “we must take note of the fidelity, goodness, and self-denial of many other monks in living their vocation to serve the Church and society.”

The extraordinary canonical visitation is expected to continue for several months as Church authorities work to address the structural and personal issues identified in the investigation.

“The canonical visitation continues, but it will take a long time because it involves several monasteries,” a press spokesperson for the abbot told CNA in a statement Monday.

Fossas concluded his statement by acknowledging the gravity of his decisions and the pain they may cause but maintained they are “necessary to be able to offer light, truth, justice, reparation, and hope to all those involved.”

The case represents one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken against a Benedictine province in recent years, as the Catholic Church continues to address allegations of abuse and implement reforms to prevent future incidents.

Feast date: Jul 16

On July 16 the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel is the mountain in the middle of the plain of Galilee on which the prophet Elijah called down a miracle of fire from the Lord, to show the people of Israel who had strayed that "The Lord is God!" and that the prophets of Baal were worshipping a false god.

There is a tradition that traces the Carmelite Order's informal beginnings to the prophet Elijah himself, even though there is no evidence of this.

The formal beginnings are attributed to a group of monks who, in the 13th century, began living and praying on the mountain. They venerated the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and from this veneration was derived the name Carmelite.

In 1226 the rule of the order was approved by Pope Honorius III, and 21 years later St. Simon Stock, an Englishman, was elected superior of the order. On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Simon and gave him the brown scapular and promised her protection to all those who wear the brown habit.

Pope Pius X decreed in the early 20th century that this blessing of the Blessed Virgin would extend to all who wear the medal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was instituted by the Carmelites sometime between 1376 and 1386.

ACI Prensa Staff, Jul 16, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

When speaking of the brown scapular, Pope Pius XII once said: “The devotion to the Carmelite scapular has brought down on the world a copious rain of spiritual and temporal graces.”

On the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16, here are 12 keys to explaining the brown scapular and its use:

1. It is not an amulet.

The scapular is not a charm or an automatic guarantee of salvation, nor is it a dispensation from living the demands of the Christian life. St. Claude de la Colombière once said: “You ask, what if I would want to die with my sins? I answer you, then you will die in sin, but you will not die with your scapular.”

2. It was an article of clothing.

The word “scapular” comes from the Latin “scapulae,” which means “shoulders” and was originally an overlapping article of clothing worn over the shoulders by monks at work. The Carmelites adopted it as a sign of special dedication to Our Lady, seeking to imitate her dedication to Christ and neighbor.

3. It is a gift from the Virgin Mary.

According to tradition, the scapular, as it is now known, was given by the Virgin Mary herself to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251. Mary told him: “It must be a sign and a privilege for you and for all Carmelites: Whoever dies wearing the scapular will not suffer eternal fire.” Later, the Church extended the use of the scapular to the laity.

4. It is a mini habit.

The scapular is like a miniature Carmelite habit that all devotees can wear as a sign of their consecration to the Virgin Mary. It consists of a string that is worn around the neck with two small pieces of brown cloth attached. One is placed on the chest and the other on the back, and it is usually worn underneath clothing.

5. It is a service uniform.

St. Alphonsus Liguori, a doctor of the Church, said: “Just as men are proud that others wear their uniform, so Our Lady, Mother Mary, is pleased when her servants wear their scapular as proof that they have dedicated themselves to her service, and they are members of the family of the Mother of God.”

6. It has three meanings.

The scapular stands for the maternal love and protection of Mary, for belonging to Mary, and for the gentle yoke of Christ that she helps us to bear.

7. It is a sacramental.

The brown scapular is recognized by the Church as a sacramental — that is, a sign that helps us to live a holy life and to increase our devotion. The scapular does not impart grace as the sacraments do, but it disposes the person wearing it to the love of the Lord and to repentance if it is received with devotion.

8. It can be given to a non-Catholic.

A dying man was reportedly brought to St. Simon Stock Hospital in New York City. A nurse noticed he was wearing the brown scapular and called a priest. As prayers were said over him, the man regained consciousness and told the priest that he wasn’t Catholic but wore the scapular as a promise to his friends. The priest asked the man if he wanted to become Catholic, and before he died the man received baptism and anointing of the sick.

9. It was seen in one of the Fátima apparitions.

Lucia, the visionary of Our Lady of Fátima, reported that in her last apparition (October 1917), Mary appeared with the Carmelite habit, the scapular in her hand, and said that her true children wear it with reverence. Mary also asked that those who consecrate themselves to her wear it as a sign of that consecration.

10. The scapular has been discovered undamaged after burial.

Blessed Pope Gregory X was buried with his scapular and, 600 years later when his tomb was opened, the object was intact. Something similar happened with St. Alphonsus Liguori. St. John Bosco and St. John Paul II also wore the scapular, and St. Peter Claver vested the scapular with those he converted.

11. There’s a preferred way to receive the scapular.

The imposition of the scapular should preferably be done in community, and in the ceremony the spiritual meaning and commitment to the Blessed Virgin should be clearly expressed. The first scapular must be blessed by a priest and placed on the devotee while reciting the following prayer:

“Receive this blessed scapular and ask the Most Holy Virgin Mary, on her merits, that you may wear it without any stain of sin and that she guard you from all adversity and bring you unto everlasting life.”

12. Only the first scapular you receive needs to be blessed.

When the first scapular one receives is blessed, the devotee does not need to ask subsequent scapulars to be blessed. Those that are worn out, if they were blessed, should not be thrown away but should be burned or buried, as is suitable for sacramentals.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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