Jakarta, CNNI Indonesia —
Qatar garner the spotlight while hosting World Cup 2022. Not only because of the excitement of sports, other corners such as places of worship also attract attention.
For example, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in the Qatari capital, Doha.
This place of worship is located in a religious complex or in what is known as the “City of Churches”. From the outside the building was ordinary, unobtrusive and crossless.
“This is something very unique here in the Middle East. Our Sunday is Friday,” said pastor, Rev. Rally Gonzaga, as quoted by the Associated Press on Thursday (12/15).
Like most churches, this church also serves masses up to baptisms, weddings and confessions.
The church seemed even busier when Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup. Many visitors took the time to worship.
Furthermore, migrant workers in Qatar who come from various countries also worship in the church.
“I can feel the true spirit of the church, the universal church.” he said.
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A worship scene in Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Qatar. (AP/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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According to a US State Department report on religious freedom, the compound known as Church City sits on government-owned land.
However, the authorities have banned any symbols or attributes related to Christianity on the building.
“With clear government instructions that Christian symbols such as crosses, spiers and statues are not permitted outside church buildings,” the US report said.
Singing and other celebrations also take place only within the complex.
Qatar restricts public worship of non-Islamic religions and criminalizes proselytizing on behalf of organizations, companies or foundations of any religion other than Islam in public spaces.
Non-Muslim religious groups in Qatar include Egyptian Hindus, Roman Catholics, Buddhists, Anglicans, Protestants and Copts.
However, this prohibition has not diminished the intention and enthusiasm of the Catholics in carrying out their worship.
For Gonzaga, not carrying the cross outside the building is a form of respect for the town and its people.
Churches also provide services for Christians from groups of adults to children.
“Many people think there is no Christian church here. That’s why they are surprised when they see that we can do everything we do within the church complex,” he said.
Outside the complex, priests also frequently visit Christian inmates and go to the hospital to answer communion requests, confess sins or pray for the sick.
When they travel, priests still wear Franciscan robes.
Some Catholics who live far from the complex want to see the new church in other areas, not just in Doha.
This hope could help residents who work or live away from Our Lady of the Rosary Church, so they can perform services regularly.
(is/ptr)
