Written by Maryam Al-Dosari
Manama, November 10 (BNA): While visiting her at her family home, I found Najla Uchi full of pride in her beloved kingdom after Pope Francis’ historic visit.
“I went to see Pope Francis when he visited Abu Dhabi in 2019 and was happy and excited. However, my feelings when I saw him here in my home country Bahrain, I was overwhelmed with pride and really happiness. It can’t be compared to anything,” she said in a voice overflowing with glee and patriotism.
“I wanted him and the whole world to see Bahrain for what it is, a true model of peace and love, and most importantly peace, coexistence and honesty. These are facts with which I can face the world.”
Her enthusiasm and patriotism is endless.
Sitting across from his mother, Samir Zuhair Uchi, said that on the morning of the papal mass, it looked as if his mother had “rolled back with her age”.
“She was very energetic and enthusiastic, even though it was five in the morning, she never cared about how early it was. She just wanted not to be late. I prayed all the way to the stadium where Mass was going to take place. Everything goes smoothly.”
Samir and her family led her to the stadium.
The mother and son said they were fascinated by organizing the party, which was attended by thousands of people. Everything was flawless.
“It was beyond words, seeing a sea of 28,000 people. Everyone was guided to their seats, so there was no confusion or hesitation. It was absolutely surreal and I don’t think it could have been organized in a better way,” Najla said.
Samir said he invited one of his Muslim friends to mass and was more than happy to accompany him.
“He was so excited to be there and then I felt a fantasy of how this moment represents my reality, love and peace,” Samir said.
The mass was broadcast live on Bahrain TV with comments and the summary was shared by many stations.
“After the Pope left Bahrain, I received phone calls from relatives and friends from abroad, and they all praised Bahrain’s achievement during this historic visit,” she said.
“I couldn’t stop my tears from running while I was talking about my beloved country, it is really not like any other country and I was happier because people have seen the love and peace we live in. Although I feel they have only seen a tiny part of Bahrain, I think it is enough To generate pride in what we are blessed with here.”
Samir attributed the positive coexistence environment in Bahrain to its people and leadership.
“Ask anyone in the world, what is Bahrain’s greatest asset and 99% of the time the answer will be: its people. But, hardly anyone knows why its people are like this? The answer is: our leadership’s basic understanding of two words, coexistence and love. This is Bahrain.
“The Pope’s visit to Bahrain, in which people of all faiths participated, is a testament to the country’s leadership and culture in coexistence and love. Beliefs are very important because they shape our identity, but our identity is revealed through actions. This is Bahrain.”