Uchi: I am proud world saw Bahrain as model of peace, coexistence

By Mariam Al Dosseri Manama, Nov. 10 (BNA): Visiting her at her family home, I found Najla Uchi filled with pride with her beloved Kingdom following Pope Francis's historic visit. "I went to see Pope Francis when he visited Abu Dhabi in 2019 and I was happy and excited. However, my feelings when I saw him here in my country Bahrain, I was truly overwhelmed with pride and happiness. It cannot be compared with any other situation," she said as with voice overflowing with elation and patriotism. "I wanted him and the whole world to see Bahrain for what it really is, a true model of peace and love and most importantly peace and coexistence and in all honesty. These are facts with which I can take on the world." Her enthusiasm and patriotism are endless. Sitting across from his mother, Sameer Zuhair Uchi, said that in the morning of the Papal Mass it was like his mother "had gone years back with her age." "She was just so energized and enthusiastic, even though it was 5 a.m. She did not care the slightest about how early it was. She just wanted not to be late. She prayed all the way to the stadium where the Mass would be held that everything would go smoothly." Sameer drove her and the family to the stadium. Mother and son said they were mesmerized with the organization of the event attended by thousands of people. Everything was impeccable. "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've been organized in a better way," Najla said. Sameer said that he had invited one of him Muslim friends to the mass and he was more than happy to accompany him. "He was so elated with the event and right there and then I had an epiphany of how this moment represents what my country is truly about, love and peace," Sameer said. The Mass was broadcast live on Bahrain TV with comments and the feed was shared by numerous stations. "After the Pope left Bahrain, I got phone calls from family and friends from abroad and they all lauded Bahrain's achievement throughout this historic visit," she said. "I couldn't stop my tears from running as I was talking about my beloved country, it is truly like no other and I was even more pleased that people have seen the love and peace we live in. Even though I feel they have seen only a fraction of Bahrain, I think it is enough to generate pride in what we are blessed with here." Sameer attributed Bahrain's positive coexistence environment to its people and leadership. "Ask anybody in the world, what is Bahrain's biggest asset and 99% of the time the answer would be: Its people. But, hardly anyone knows why its people are like that? The answer is: Our leadership's fundamental understanding of two words, Coexistence and Love. This is Bahrain," Sameer said. "The pope's visit to Bahrain, which had people of all faiths participate in it, is a testimony to the country's leadership and its culture of coexistence and love. Beliefs are very important for they shape who we are, but our identity is revealed through actions. This is Bahrain."