A true man of God and others

KUWAIT CITY, April 13: The Catholic Community in Kuwait expressed grief on the news on the passing of His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, the Apostolic Vicar of the Northern Arabia that covers Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait parishioners came to know of Bishop Ballin’s demise on the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia website avona.org with details of his death to follow.. Other parishioners got a copy of the message of Holy Family Cathedral Parish Priest Fr Peter PM, OFM Cap, to all the priests that Bishop Ballin passed away on Easter Sunday night as relayed by the Comboni Vicar General.

As the Catholic community in Kuwait grieved Bishop Ballin’s passing, his legacy as a man of service to God and others lives on in the hearts of many who have witnessed how he had truly served the Catholic faithful. “Bishop Camillo Ballin is known for his pureness of heart. He always flashes his sweet smile to everyone he meets. He’s very kind not only to the Indian community but to all parishioners,” stated Teresa Joseph who remembered the Bishop with fondness.

Bishop Ballin had inspired many parishioners to organise various religious activities and encouraged the youth to attend catechetical classes “We are deeply saddened of this news. I’m lost for words. He has been close to the Filipino community. He even knows some Tagalog words and greets us in Tagalog,” shared Fortich Stanley Saludar, a member of the Ina ngLaging Saklolo Choir.

Bishop Ballin spearheaded the campaign of the building of the Cathedral in Bahrain that gained support not only from the parishioners in Kuwait but also the rest of the Gulf region.

Known for his zeal to serve, Bishop Ballin marked his colorful and meaningful 50 years in religious service last year and Kuwait parishioners honoured him with a feat. “He is very close to Filipinos and he is very fond of doing prayer pamphlets. We are very honoured to be a part of his golden anniversary celebration last year,” Gerry Guinto, a member of the St. Catherine Laboure Choir.

Bishop Ballin’s fellow priests as well those who have met him were enveloped with sadness as they reminisced his selflessness in his mission to spread positivity and the word of God to everyone. “I have been assigned in Kuwait for 9 years now and words are not enough to express our sadness that Bishop Camillo is gone. He is a dedicated and true servant of God. He was like a father to all of us. I admire him for his genuine conviction to serve the people,” stated Parish Priest Fr Ramon Atanacio, OFM Cap. “He is very sweet and fulfills his promise. I’m very honoured to have met him in Doha last year and that time, he promised to give me a present which he did. We met again last August in Manila during the episcopal ordination of Bishop Joey Rapadas. He has a soft spot for Filipinos and he will be sorely missed. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” shared Fr. Francis Mecina, Rector of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, House of Studies, Tagaytay City, Philippines.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Norther Arabia Chancery Office in an advisory signed by Rev Dr Antony Lopez, OFM Cap, informed the Catholic community in Kuwait that funeral details will be made known at a alter date. Solemn requiem mass will be held when normalcy (due to COVID-19 pandemic) is restored in Kuwait. Priests are to celebrate requiem mass in individual parishes without the presence of the faithful; and faithful are requested to pray for Bishop Ballin.

By Michelle Fe Santiago Arab Times Staff