Newsflash & photos: Gasper Crasto
The much-awaited, transformed Grotto of Mother Mary at Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City was blessed by His Excellency Bishop Aldo Berardi.
The new grotto was designed by a Filipino architect Jerry Guindo; and constructed with an eye-catching waterfall from the backdrop.
A unique candle-stand is also placed at the side of the grotto, which lights a selected artificial candle on the insert of 100 fils coin.
Fr. Dominic Santamaria, one of the icon priests of Kuwait, announced
that the Grotto was dedicated to the Bishops nominated for Kuwait over the
years namely:
·
Ubaldo Teofano Stella (1954~1966)
·
Victor León Esteban San Miguel (1976~1981)
·
Francis Micallef (1981~2005)
·
Camillo Ballin (2005~2020)
· Aldo Berardi (2023 - present)
Incidentally, Fr. Dominic is the only priest to have been in Kuwait during the period of all the bishops.
The Cathedral Complex comprises of six main elements: the Cathedral itself, the Bishop's Villa, the Rectory, Parish Halls, the Resource Centre, and the Grotto.
The ever-popular grotto at the far end of the parish compound, which has been revamped over the years at least three times before, and regularly finds throngs of people around it to pray.
It is here, at this scenic
spot, that the Holy Rosary is recited during the months of May and October and
serves the place for beauty and devotion to Our Lady.