The Catholic community in Oman is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis with several initiatives that are part of the wider program promoted by the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

On October 17, the film “Francesco,” by Liliana Cavani, was screened at Holy Spirit Parish in Ghala, Muscat. On October 29, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, together with some representatives of the Vicariate, met with Omani officials at the residence of the Italian ambassador.

At the heart of the program was a talk delivered on October 30 by Fr. Stefano Luca, Director of AVOSA’s Office for Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue, on the theme, “St. Francis and the Sultan: A Meeting Embracing Differences Without Overcoming Them,” at Ghala Parish. 

Among those present were Italian Ambassador Pier Luigi D’Elia,  Ambassador of Brazil João Batista do Nascimento Magalhães, and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy, Francesco Gargano. The guests, as well as all the participants, were welcomed by the parish priest, Fr. George Vadukkut.

Following the welcome remarks and the introduction by the parish priest – who focused on the encounter between St. Francis and the Sultan as a timeless example of peace, fraternity, and mutual respect among people of different faiths – Fr. Stefano explored the theme not only from a historical perspective but also through a Catholic interpretation of that encounter.

His reflection included an in-depth reading – an exegesis – of Chapter XVI of the Earlier Rule of St. Francis, dedicated to the friars who go among the Muslims. Fr. Stefano drew a connection between the encounter that took place 800 years ago and the daily lives of the faithful who live side by side with Muslims in Oman. Being rooted in faith and in the example of St. Francis provides both the reason and the strength to respond to God’s call to become brothers and sisters to all.

The talk offered an opportunity not only to commemorate a figure and an event from the past, but also to reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Francis and to look towards the future with openness, understanding, peace, mutual respect and fraternity. The participants were encouraged to become “instruments of peace,” always respecting the differences between religions: embracing differences without overcoming them.

The program of events in Oman will conclude on November 6, at Ghala Parish, with an inspiring session exploring the life of St. Francis through the paintings of Giotto.