THE REVELATION

Climb every mountain...climb every hill... till you meet your dream…

Cross the seas to fetch a fortune says the Tamil Proverb “Thirai kadal odyium theraviam thedu”. True saying many have set sail to the shores of Bahrain, in search of greener pastures. Truly, Bahrain is an oasis for businessmen, enterprising executives, laboring Bread-winners and the proletariat as well. Thus ethnic Tamil Catholics from India and Sri Lanka also arrived in Bahrain and soon they became the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church which is now seven decades old.

When you say “YES” to “CHRISTIAN LOVE” you say “HELLO” to “LIFE” … Yes a true fulfilling life in Jesus Christ.

THE CALL

It all started when there was a clarion call from the Tamil Catholic Community, as it was then called, to pray in one’s own mother tongue. It will make praying more meaningful, participation more intense and whatever is prayed is well understood.

Sensing this need, the Vatican Council-II, switched over from Latin to vernacular as the language of the liturgy, so as to encourage laity participation.

Those days, in Bahrain, all liturgical services and prayers were still said only in English in the Mother Church. It was at that juncture that the Tamil Catholics felt the dire need for the linguistic switch over from English to the Vernacular Tamil to be adopted in adoration prayers.

THE EFFORTS

Thanks to the persistent efforts of the Tamil Catholic laity who mooted and initiated the idea to form a Tamil Spiritual Adoration Prayer Group to conduct prayer services. Bro. Thomas, Bro. John Cruz, Bro. George, Bro. Jegan, Sr. Theresammal and many others began to work it out. The Group met then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Adrian Benini and expressed the spiritual need of Tamil laity. The Group received the permission and blessing from the Parish Priest to have Adoration in Tamil in one of the rooms of St. Bartholomew hall, next to our church.

With blessings of the Almighty, a con-celebration service at 7:00 pm on Friday by four priests “The Tamil Adoration Prayer Group” had its genesis on 25th of November 1983 presided over by then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Adrian and Rev. Fr. Bartholomew along with other two visiting priests. The inaugural prayer was said by Bro. Innocent. “To bloom in Christ” was the inaugural theme. Bro. George, an active Tamil, had spoken on this theme. Around 121 Tamil brothers and Key members of Malayalam Spiritual Prayer Group also took part in the inaugural function.

THE STRUGGLE

Every new ethnic group has its odds and trails and challenges to face. So did the Tamil Prayer Group.

Due to certain constraints to have the prayers within the church premises, on 4^th March 1984 it was held in the house of Bro. John Cruz. Thanks to him.

In order to restore the place within the church premises to have prayer service, then Tamil Core Group met the Parish Priest and placed its plea for it. Due to the persistent interest shown by the Tamil Group and intervention of Rev. Fr. Bartholomew, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Adrian agreed to have Tamil Adoration Prayers in the Mother Church on every Friday from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. which was subsequently increased for an Hour from 3:30pm. It subsidized the spiritual need of the Tamil laity and adoration service became a regular feature of the Tamil Prayer Group’s spiritual activity. This immensely helped the spiritual growth of the Tamil laity.

THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH

The “Charismatic Prayers” were carried out as part of core activities of Tamil Prayer Group and was held in various places and houses as and when called. The intention was to improve the laity participation in praise and worship, Spiritual leadership to the newly chosen Brothers and Sisters for prayers, holding fasting prayers during the state holidays and rest days etc.,

In March 1984 – The First Ministry called “The Adoration Prayer Ministry” was installed to assist the Tamil laity in arranging the prayers in order and led the prayers along with them during the Holy Hour in the Mother Church every Friday.

1984 – “The Choir Music Ministry” was installed to make required hymns and arranging praise songs to be sung during the prayers and worship.

In 1986, December 19^th, the Friday after Adoration Prayers, “The Core Group” was installed to have elected members to lead the Tamil Prayer Group for a period of 1 year.

In 1987, March 4^th The Group held the first “Way of the Cross” during the time allocated to the Adoration prayers.

In 1987, April 7^th on a Tuesday “Hospital Ministry” was installed and the purpose of this ministry was to visit Salmaniya hospital on every alternate Tuesday and pray for the sick.

In 1990 – First Tamil Priest Rev. Fr. Clarence, the Assistant Parish Priest was appointed as Spiritual Director to enhance the spiritual efforts of Tamil Catholic Prayer Group. This was the remarkable milestone and was the direct result of persistent efforts by Tamil Prayer Group. Then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz was highly impressed about the faith of Tamil laity.

Rev. Fr. Clarence being Tamil, the homilies and other preaching were so spontaneous and natural that the laity felt very much at home and at ease. In fact the laity response was very good witnessing more intense participation and deeper involvement in all activities. Hence the linguistic switch over from English to Tamil was indeed an evolutionary revolution. Adopting St. Antony as the patron saint of the

Tamil Catholic Prayer Group under the spiritual leadership and guidance of Fr. Clarence, for the First time Holy Mass in Tamil was offered in 1990. It was made a regular feature of every second Tuesday, St. Antony’s day.

During 1990 – through inspiring spiritual leadership of Rev. Fr. Clarence, The Core Group further revamped and devoted laity was selected as members of “Core Group” and various ministries were installed to take part and assist the priest in liturgical services and prayers. Interested Tamil Laity who were ready to volunteer and devote their time and effort for dedicated service were selected and installed as ministry members to carry out the task and to make prayers more meaningful.

Liturgy Ministry – to help the priest in holding the Mass in order

Service Ministry – To ensure undisturbed laity participation during the Eucharistic and other spiritual activities.

Public Relation Ministry – To spread the spiritual message and the activities of the prayer group to the laity Formation of these ministries made Tamil Eucharistic Celebrations and prayers very effective and full of grace.

In 1993 – Since Rev. Fr. Clarence had to return to India, and then Priests Rev. Fr. Oswin Fernandez and Rev. Fr. Lester Rex were looking after the welfare of Tamil Prayer Group with assistance from Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz. During that period the Tamil Ministries were further strengthened by installing members to the ministries.

In 1994 – First issue of Adoration Prayer Book in Tamil named “Aaradanai Malar” was released.

3^rd February 1995 – Then Charismatic Prayers group which was functioning mainly outside the church, were restructured and was installed as “Tamil Charismatic Prayer Ministry” by then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz.

28^th July 1995 - First Tamil Bible Study Class had started conducting Bible studies on every Friday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This was led by Bro. M. Joseph, Bro. Maria Elias and Bro. Joseph Nelson.

1996 – The Intercessory Ministry was restructured and installed by Rev. Fr. Oswin Fernandez. The Ministry prays for Holy Father, Bishops, Priests, Nuns and those who requested special prayers in time of urgent need. The intercessory prayers were held on every Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

In 1998 – Rev. Fr. Antony Mathais continued the mission. At this juncture it is worth mentioning that despite of being Malayale, Rev. Fr. Anthony Mathais had spared no pain in transliterating Tamil into Malayalam and thus celebrated the Tamil Mass.

Through his efforts there was a spiritual renaissance and revival of the bonds and ties of the Tamil Catholic fraternity. He broke narrow, domestic ethnic walls and built bridges of true Christian Love and concern. This resulted in the development of a healthy fellowship which transcended all man-made barriers.

In 1998 – the feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni was celebrated on the 8^th of September for the First time in Bahrain with daily special Novena, Rosary and Mass. The participation of Marian devotion has remarkably intensified. The church compound was decorated by full of fluttering flags, inspiring banners, colourful illumination and the whole atmosphere was filled with aroma of flowers showered on Our Lady. The palanquin bearing Our Lady is gorgeously decorated and venerated with piety and reverence. The grand feast culminates with a grand procession followed by a delicious grand gala dinner served to all who participated in the feast of our Lady of Vailankanni. Nearly 500 devotees participated at the feast.

Since then the Tamil community has inherited Our Lady of Vailankanni as their patron.

It was through his efforts that the Tamil community is privileged to have Tamil mass every third Friday along with First Monday Holy Mass.

In 1999 – Novena Ministry was installed to lead and arrange the Novena prayers for Our Lady of Vailankanni every Monday at 6:30 pm

In 2001 – This is another remarkable period as the Tamil Catholic Prayer Group had started growing very strong in faith. The number of participants for the prayer services increased day by day. Witnessing the strength of their faith and involvement in Parish activities, then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz initiated the process to have a Tamil Priest as Spiritual Director to Tamil Catholic Prayer Group.

Hence Rev. Fr. Servartius was appointed as Spiritual Director and under his leadership the celebration of Tamil Holy Mass was widened beyond the church compound to Muharraq and Sitra. The Tamil mass is held every second Saturday in Sitra and fourth Saturday in Muharraq. This arrangement has spiritually facilitated especially to immobilize Tamil Catholics residents of those areas. More Spiritual activities were enhanced through Fasting prayers, Pentecost full night vigil etc.,

2001 – Sitra & Muharraq Tamil Catholic Congregation is to make necessary arrangements to hold the Holy Mass every Second Saturday and fourth Saturday respectively.

Today, The Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain is proudly privileged to have a Tamil Priest who acts as its Spiritual Director and fulfills the ecclesiastical, liturgical and spiritual needs of the Tamil Parishioners. The holy mass, prayer and other religious services are now conducted regularly.

In 2005 – Transition period for Rev. Fr. Servatius who left the Sacred Heart Parish after serving 4 years as Spiritual Director to the Tamil Catholic Prayer Group.

10^th July 2005 - Rev. Fr. Andrews who took his office as Spiritual Director to the Tamil Catholic Prayer Group and through his continuous dialogue with our then Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadras and Our Bishop, has deepened the faith of the laity by adding another Tamil mass every 4^th Friday at 11:30am at Multi Purpose Hall in November 2006.

In 2006, May 4^th the “Legion of Mary” Ministry was installed by the Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Andrews. The Motto is self purification for the glory of God through prayer & service. The Ministry holds Legionary meetings at Room no. 9 every Thursday 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It serves very actively in meeting families and visiting hospitals to pray for those who are in dire need of prayers.

In 2008 another mass is added every First Friday in the event Calendar of the Tamil Community. Hence the Community was privileged to have Holy Mass on Three Fridays and First Monday. The Masses were held on 1^st & 3^rd Friday at Mother Church and 4^th Friday & 1^st Monday at MPH

It is during Fr. Andrew’s time ‘Tamil Prayer Group’ has been elevated and re-christened as, “The Tamil Catholic Community. Proudly it can be said that the Tamil Catholics have reached new heights in their ‘Pilgrims Progress.

Tamil Eucharistic Celebrations and other prayer services are there on all major festivals like Christmas Celebration (in 2006), Easter Sunday Celebration (in 2007) and New Year Celebration (2008).

In January 2009, Tamil Community had reached their dream of having Tamil Mass in all Fridays of the month conversely, the First Monday conventional holy mass was withdrawn.

In 2009, August 7^th “Tamil Youth Front” was installed to serve the community in every Eucharistic Celebration and all other prayer services. The Youth Front is now seen as front liner in all the activities of Tamil Catholic Community. The Youth holds regular meeting at Room no. 9 at the Parish Community Center Building on second and fourth Friday at 4:00 pm.

In November 2009 – First Time the community has celebrated Holy Mass on “All Souls Day”

Finally in January 2010, the Parish Priest restored the First Monday mass back to the community as part of continuous effort of Our Spiritual Director.

17^th February 2010, The Community celebrated Holy Mass for the First Time on “Ash Wednesday”.

Hearty thanks to the enormous efforts of Rev. Fr. Andrews who plays a seminal role in the upkeep of the spiritual growth, solidarity and fraternity on the Tamil Catholic Community in particular and the parishioners in general.

At present, every Friday at 6:45 pm we have a Holy Mass exclusively in Tamil being celebrated in Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium soon after the Charismatic Prayers and Holy Rosary and the First Monday Holy Mass at MPH at 7:00 pm.

This is indeed a great boon and a long awaited dream come true.

THE DIVINE SERVICE

The Bahrain Tamil Catholic Community right from the time of its inception has had many Spiritual Directors. They are listed here below in their chronological order.

1. Rev. Fr. Adrian Benini – Parish Priest 1983

2. Rev. Fr. Bartholomew – 1983

3. Rev. Fr. Eugene – 1987

4. Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz – Parish Priest 1989

5. Rev. Fr. Clarence (Tamil Priest) – 1990 – 1993

6. Rev. Fr. Lester Rex – 1994

7. Rev. Fr. Oswin Fernandez – 1995 – 1996

8. Rev. Fr. Anthony O.C.D. – 1998 – 2001

9. Rev. Fr. Servatius (Tamil Priest) 2001 – 2005

10. Rev. Fr. Andrews (Tamil Priest) 2005 on wards

All the above Spiritual Directors have contributed their mite in enriching and enhancing the faith of the catholic laity. It is the spiritual nourishment that they had provided, is now yielding its fruit. Today we have a dedicated and committed lay apostolate who had deepened and strengthened the faith and unity of the Tamil laity.

As the Tamil community needs profound teachings and retreats to further deepening in their faith, the guest priests were brought into Bahrain to have special retreats to our community especially when the Spiritual Directors were on vacation;

† Rev. Fr. Thomas, Podicherry (2001)

† Rev. Fr. Ignatius S.J.,Chennai (2002)

† Rev. Fr. Thumburaj S.J. Chennai (2003)

† Rev. Fr. Stephen OFM Cap (2004)

† Rev. Fr. Soosairaj OFM Cap (2006)

† Rev. Fr. Maria Anthony OFM Cap (2007)

† Rev. Fr. John Sudhaker OFM Cap (2008)

† Rev. Fr. Rex OFM Cap (2009)

“Sometimes words seem all too small to express our gratitude to the retreat preachers”

THE GRATITUDE

It is with deep sense of honour and respect we applaud Our Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Andrews, Our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Dinesh Mendoca, Former Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros, Rev. Fr. Felicio Diniz, Our Emeritus Bishop Gremoli and our beloved Bishop Paul Hinder for their continuous and encouraging support in enriching our faith in our native Language.

Especially, untiring effort of Our Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Andrews has helped the community to reach immense spiritual heights in their faith.

At present we have the privilege of attending Tamil Mass on all Fridays at Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium and on 1^st Monday of every month at the MPH. It is the fruit of the ceaseless effort, whole hearted support and special concern of our Parish Priest over our community.

It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we remember and place on record the immense services of the Spiritual Directors, the Tamil Coordinators and the associates of the past and present who have been instrumental and responsible for the growth and development of the Tamil Community and the Parish at large. It is by their fully committed and devoted efforts that the spiritual needs of the Tamils are now being enchanted today. Let us remember them in our prayers of their “Every Loving Hearts and Helping Hands”

Good isn’t good, when the better is possible and the best is worth trying.

So, Good Better Best
Let it never rest
Till the Good is Better and the Best