A delegation of around 90 young people from across the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) will take part in the upcoming Jubilee of the Youth in Rome (July 28 to August 3), representing the Vicariate.

The group - around 80 people from the United Arab Emirates and about ten from Oman - will depart on July 21 for a two-week pilgrimage organized by the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) of the Vicariate. Their journey will include several spiritual stops before arriving in Rome, such as Franciscan sites in Padua, Assisi, and San Giovanni Rotondo.

For many participants, this will be their first time visiting Italy. The chance to travel, cross the Holy Door, and meet the Pope is a long-held dream now becoming reality.

Once in Rome, the group will join the official Jubilee program, culminating in the Saturday evening prayer vigil and Sunday Mass, both presided over by Pope Leo XIV.

Thianna, a parishioner from St. Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi, shared her hopes for the pilgrimage: “I believe I can gain much spiritual fruit from it. I feel that this trip can transform all of us young adults. We’ll meet others from all over the world and be united in Christ. I truly believe that through this pilgrimage, we can change the world.”

“I’m really excited to go to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome!” said Jeyal, from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Ruwi (Muscat), Oman. “I know it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me — especially the Mass at the Vatican, where thousands of young people will gather with the Pope. I’m really looking forward to that moment.”

The group will be accompanied by several priests and religious sisters who are involved in youth and vocations ministry.

“I feel truly blessed to be joining the youth of our Vicariate on this special pilgrimage to Rome,” said one of them, Fr. Godfrey Rodriques. “This is more than just a trip — it’s a journey of faith, a time to pray, reflect, and discover that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. For me personally, it’s a chance to renew my own sense of purpose and draw closer to God in the heart of the Church.” Being in Rome, visiting the holy places, and sharing this experience with young people from so many different cultures “will be truly enriching, “ he added. “I believe this pilgrimage will leave a deep and lasting impression on all of us. And for the youth especially, I hope it will inspire them to open their hearts to God, and to return home renewed — with strength, joy, and a deeper faith.”

On Sunday, July 13, the group gathered at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi for a formation session and to receive their pilgrim kits. The event concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia.

During the celebration, the Bishop solemnly handed over the pilgrimage Cross and the Vicariate flag to the delegates, which they will carry throughout their journey. “They go to Rome to encounter Jesus, to let themselves be loved by Him, to allow their hearts to be healed and renewed,” the Bishop said.

Bishop Paolo will personally join the youth in Rome to walk with them, cross the Holy Door, and take part in the key Jubilee moments with Pope Leo.