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December 5, 2024The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia hosted on November 24, feast of Christ the King, a vibrant and spiritually enriching mini World Youth Day, bringing together youth from across the vicariate for a day of fellowship, and reflection, in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Mgr. Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap., the Apostolic Vicar, was present to guide and support the youth throughout the day.
The program combined spiritual teachings, worship and adoration, and interactive sessions, each focusing on different topics relevant for the youth, providing spaces for dialogue, learning, and personal growth.
Bp Paolo had prepared a special gift for the youth : when he was in Rome for the Synodal Assembly in October, he asked Pope Francis to address a spontaneous message especially for the youth of the Vicariate in view of the mini WYD.
The event was concluded by a Holy Mass presided over by the bishop who underlined the fact that the date chosen for the mini World Youth Day on the day of Christ the King of the universe was not a coincidence as it echoes the event’s theme: “Rooted”, rooted in hope, rooted in Christ. “It is a feast of hope. Rooted in Hope we are called to follow Jesus. You are called to spread the kingdom of God, a kingdom of joy, peace and freedom, and to reign with Jesus”, he told the youth during his homily.
Knowing that many young people have that fundamental question: “What is the purpose of my life and what is the meaning of the universe?”, Bp Paolo stressed that “life is a vocation, is a call. We were not born by chance. God wanted, loved and chose us from eternity. Jesus conquered evil and death. For this reason, we are certain that divine providence does not abandon us but works in a way that the kingdom of God comes on earth, in our heart.”
He continued with words of exhortation: “Now is the time when we are called to decide to follow Christ and to grow in faith, hope and love. When we love one another, and work for the good of all, we give glory to God, we begin to reign with Christ. Be protagonists and never passive. Be rooted in hope to face the future with confidence and courage. Christ is our hope. Let us never forget: the kingdom of God begins among us and in us when we are united and when we are loved, when we make the gospel our rule of life.”
For the youth of the vicariate, this mini World Youth Day was more than just an event, it was an experience of faith, community, and personal enrichment.
Photo album of the event
Pope Francis’ video message to AVOSA youth
