The Youth Ministry of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruwi, Muscat, recently organized the Oman Catholic Youth Retreat to mark the Jubilee of Youth, within the ongoing Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The retreat brought together more than 250 young participants, aged 15 to 35, from all parishes across Oman, fostering fellowship, faith, and spiritual growth among the Catholic youth community.

Held under the theme, “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16) the two-day gathering was spiritually guided by Fr. Darick D’Souza, Secretary to Bishop Paolo Martinelli, on the first day, and by Fr. Stalin Varghese, Director of the AVOSA Office of Young Adults Ministry, on the second.

An inspiring video message from Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, was played at the opening, encouraging the youth to live as “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” The session was followed by an energizing praise and worship session led by MercyReigns, the Ruwi parish youth band. The retreat was officially inaugurated by Fr. Stephen Lewis, parish priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

The program featured keynote talks, open conversations, and group discussions addressing topics relevant to young Catholics today. Participants also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and take part in the Holy Hour of Adoration, concluding the first day with the celebration of Holy Mass.

On the following day, the youth made their Jubilee pilgrimage within the parish compound, which serves as the Jubilee Shrine for Oman. Divided into small groups, they walked along the Jubilee path, stopping to pray and offering intentions at each pilgrimage station.

The event continued with a keynote session focusing on spreading light in the world, followed by a vibrant praise fest once again led by MercyReigns. The retreat concluded with Holy Mass and a closing address by Fr. Jesse Abres Tejero, Spiritual Director of the Ruwi Parish Youth Ministry.

Organized by the Ruwi Parish Youth Council and supported by volunteers from the parish youth ministry, the retreat was a joyful expression of young Catholics coming together to strengthen one another in faith, share their gifts, face challenges, and celebrate their unity as one body in Christ.