On 31 January and 1 February, the Christian Formation Conference took place in Dubai for catechists of the Apostolic Vicariate serving in parishes across the UAE, with over 1,000 participants registered.

The conference, held under the theme "Catechists: A Door of Hope", was promoted by the Office of Christian Formation of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

“During the conference, catechists receive formation, but they also come together as a community,” underlined Mrs. Catherine Miles-Flynn, Director of the Christian Formation Office of AVOSA. “They get to know one another; each year they meet new people and reconnect with old friends,” strengthening their sense of belonging to a wider faith community.

The conference included common sessions and focused breakout workshops on both days, addressing themes related to education and ministry with young people. These sessions were designed to be interactive and practical, offering concrete tools for catechists in their pastoral service.

Fr. Jason Laguerta, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, in charge of catechesis and evangelization, was the main speaker of the conference. In his reflections, he presented catechists as ministers of hospitality, inclusion, and accompaniment—“running fathers and mothers” of the Church—called to open doors to tenderness, love, and joyful anticipation for the return of God’s sons and daughters.

At the conclusion of the two days, when asked what struck him the most, Fr. Jason responded without hesitation: “It was a very significant experience to see a bishop deeply engaged in the primary mission of the Church, which is evangelization. I have travelled all around the world, but here I witnessed something truly special: the bishop as the chief catechist. This is essential for the Church: that the bishop sets the tone for catechesis and evangelization. His presence, his talks, the Q&A session, his joyful demeanor, openness, and wisdom were truly remarkable.”

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, was present throughout the entire conference and indeed set its tone. In his catechesis on the first day, he reminded catechists that the heart of their ministry is not only the transmission of faith, but the opening of the door of hope in every heart, helping others discover that Christ is the source of real and lasting hope.

“You catechists are men and women of the future. Open the doors of hope to the new generations by communicating to them the faith, the encounter with Christ, not a list of precepts.”

On the second day, participants engaged with Bishop Paolo during an open Q&A session, addressing various topics related to education and catechesis. A panel on vocation offered an opportunity to reflect on a particularly urgent theme for young people as they begin to navigate life and shape their future. Some catechists also shared personal testimonies of their journey and commitment within this vital ministry.

Bishop Paolo presided over the concluding Mass. In his homily, he once again addressed the catechists, expressing the gratitude of the Apostolic Vicariate “for your dedication to communicating the faith to the young,” and encouraging them to be “doors that open and lead to an encounter with Christ.”

“Help your children,” he added, “to grow in an authentic desire for happiness. Help them to be free from false joys and deceptive forms of happiness, and to experience true happiness in God. I invite you to live this important ministry with a humble heart. In this way, you will truly be witnesses of hope—doors of hope opening onto God’s future—and you will lead your children to Christ. The exercise of this beautiful ministry will unite you ever more deeply to Christ; you will love Him more and feel ever more loved by Him.”