Search
-
November 7, 2024Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap. has decided that by 1 December 2024 (the First Sunday of Advent), all parishes in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (UAE, Oman, Yemen) must use the New American Bible lectionary at English-language Masses. This lectionary is currently in use in the United States of America, the Philippines, the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia), along with a few other countries.
Clergy and faithful are advised to check the Scripture translation of any peoples-missals or hand-missals before purchase. Different English-speaking countries currently use different translations of the biblical texts. The following hand-missals contain the New American Bible text which will be used in the Vicariate (UAE, Oman, Yemen):
1. Daily Roman Missal - by Sceptre/Midwest Theological Forum publishers
2. (New) St. Joseph Sunday Missal - by Catholic Book Publishing
3. (New) St. Joseph Weekday Missal - by Catholic Book Publishing
As publications such as "Bible Alive" for 2025 had already been printed prior to this decision, it was not possible to include the New American Bible texts. However, they will be used in editions from 2026 onward.
This decision was made by the Bishop after consulting senior members of the Curia and presbyterate as the old Jerusalem Bible lectionaries are no longer available. Various factors such as the availability of new liturgical books, online resources, price, quality and the practice of neighbouring countries were also considered.
Other approved Catholic Scripture translations may continue to be used for private and non-liturgical occasions in the Vicariate.
