"Jesus is God with us, he is God's closeness and company to everybody. This is the foundation of our joy. In solitude there is sadness and darkness; with Jesus there is Light, joy, peace and reconciliation; forgiveness of our sins."
Bp Paolo writes a letter to the children as they prepare to celebrate Christmas. "While you prepare the nativity scene, don't forget to prepare your heart to welcome Jesus."
Bp Paolo announces that, in our Vicariate, the Jubilee Year will be celebrated from 29 December 2024 to 28 December 2025 and there will be 3 "Shrine Churches" for pilgrimage and plenary indulgence, one in each of the countries of the vicariate : UAE, Oman, Yemen.
John the Baptist reminds us that we must arrive prepared for the encounter with the Lord. If someone important comes to visit us at home, we need to check that everything is prepared to welcome him. If something weighs down your heart, have faith in the Lord, increase your prayer, approach the sacrament of reconciliation, confession. Jesus did not come only 2025 years ago, he continues to come into our lives. The true hallmark of a Christian is joy, even in hardship, even when we feel the oppression of our limits and sins. God is greater and his mercy makes all things new, he makes our hearts new.
For the first time, a meeting of the Catholic religion teachers was held along with Bp Paolo Martinelli who addressed them words of gratitude for their dedication, elements of reflection on their mission especially on the specific context we live in, and encouraging them to be witnesses.
On the occasion of the World Youth Day on 24 November 2024, Pope Francis addressed a special message to the youth of the vicariate thanks to Bp Paolo who had met him in Rome. "Youth is the time of life to SOW"
A mini WYD was held in in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE on November 24, bringing together youth from across the vicariate for a day of fellowship, and reflection. Mgr. Paolo Martinelli was present to guide and support the youth throughout the day.
Bp Paolo participated in the Catholic Congress Middle-East Leaders Conference in Dubai along with Arch. Rafael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church
Bp Paolo participated in the Syro-Malabar Day 2024 in St Mary's parish in Dubai along with Arch. Rafael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Mgr. Christophe El-Kassis, Apostolic Nuncio to the UAE and Yemen.
The Syro-Malabar Day in St Mary's parish began with a Holy Qurbana concelebrated by Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar church. Bp Paolo addressed him a welcome speech at the beginning of the celebration.
Advent reminds us of the first coming of the Lord, and of his coming at the end of time and while waiting, he does not stop coming among us. He never leaves us alone. Let us not weigh down our hearts with distractions and useless worries. Let us say every day with our hearts: come Lord Jesus, come among us, we need you, we love you.
Bp Paolo celebrated mass on 2nd December , emphasizing how the readings bring interesting light to celebrate the UAE national Day. He invited all to pray for this nation that promotes tolerance, hospitality and prosperity, in which we are welcomed, for the rulers, that they may always be guided by divine wisdom. As Catholics, we want to give our strong contribution to the building up of a more fraternal and human world.
Bp Paolo Martinelli addresses a message to the faithful of the Vicariate of Southern Arabia for Advent, a time of waiting in which we are invited to recognize our deepest needs, our highest desires and purify our hearts, and a time of hope.
Bp Paolo Martinelli welcomed Arch. Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church on Monday, 25 November 2024 in Muscat, Oman. Mgr Thattil is on an eight-day visit to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. He will visit the Syro-Malabar faithful of Oman and UAE.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia mourns the passing away of Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity
Jesus conquered evil and death. We are certain that divine providence does not abandon us and works so that the kingdom of God comes on earth, in our heart, as we say : your kingdom come! The kingdom of God begins among us when we are united and when we are loved, when we make the gospel our rule of life.
