On June 27,  2025, the new pastoral center of the Holy Spirit Parish in Ghala, Muscat (Oman), was inaugurated by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia.

Dr. Mohammed Bin Saeed Bin Khalfan Al Mamari, Omani Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs; Mr. Ahmed Khamis Masoud Al Bahri, Director of Religious Affairs; and Dr. Mariadoss Paul, Personal Secretary to His Majesty Haytham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, were also present at the ceremony, along with Archbishop Nicholas Thevenin, Apostolic Nuncio to the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting was also attended by around ten ambassadors representing various countries.

The event took place one year later the laying of the foundation stone, July 5, 2024. The inauguration was described by Bishop Paolo as a “historic event,” marking the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the parish.

The new facility is intended to serve as a pastoral center for Christian formation initiatives, catechism classes, and the residence of the priests—bringing to life a long-awaited dream for the faithful in Ghala and throughout the Vicariate.

From dream to reality
The idea for a new pastoral building emerged during Bishop Paolo’s first pastoral visit to Ghala parish in February 2023. At that time, the Catholic population in the area had grown significantly, revealing the inadequacy of existing facilities and the pressing need for new space and infrastructure. Bishop Paolo encouraged the initiative for a new building, “in service of the People of God, called to bear witness to Jesus in the world.” The parish priest, Fr. George Vadukkut, personally committed himself to the success of the project.

The inauguration ceremony
The Apostolic Nuncio solemnly blessed the new building on June 27, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Bishop Paolo. In his homily, the bishop encouraged the faithful to see the new building as a beacon of faith formation and a spiritual gift for generations to come, as well as a vibrant center for catechesis, community life, and pastoral care.

“Within these walls, we want to grow in faith,” he said, “so that our faith may shape our lives, and we may become witnesses of the Gospel through the way we live. May we be men and women of peace, as Pope Leo reminded us—a peace that is disarmed and disarming. We want to be peacemakers and bridge builders, promoting respect and helping to build a more human and fraternal world.”

A reception followed the Mass, attended by all the distinguished guests. The ribbon-cutting officially inaugurated the new facility. The Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs also unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, and Bishop Paolo symbolically opened the main entrance doors.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Al Mamari highlighted Oman’s proud legacy as a land of peace, harmony, and religious coexistence, acknowledging the contribution and role of different religions. He encouraged all present to allow their faith traditions to shape not only their spiritual lives, but also their civic values, for the greater good of society.

“Today we have inaugurated this new building that will be used for Christian formation,” said Bishop Paolo. “But it is also a monument to the friendship and harmony that exists between the Catholic Church and the peaceful and loving people of the Sultanate of Oman.” He also expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Haytham bin Tariq and to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman “for all the care and protection given to our Churches.”

Christian formation: a pillar of the Church’s mission in the Gulf
Christian formation has been one of Bishop Paolo’s top priorities, which he considers a pillar of the Church’s mission in the Gulf. The inauguration of this new building, he reflected, “has a significance that goes beyond the parish of the Holy Spirit in Ghala.” It stands as a strong reminder to all the faithful in Oman and the entire Vicariate of “the importance of the formative journey within the Church.”

“If the first pillar of the Christian community is the Eucharistic celebration,” Bishop Paolo said, “it is also true that we cannot live the Christian life without adequate formation in the faith.” According to the bishop, “Christian formation does not consist only in the transmission of rules and obligations, but above all in the communication of the new life brought to us by Jesus. We want to raise Christians who face daily life guided by their faith.”

“That’s why catechism must, above all, be about experiencing the beauty of Christian life, forming a new way of thinking, and helping the faithful to develop ‘the same mind that was in Christ Jesus’, (Phil 2:5–11) to make room within us for ‘the mind of Christ’ (1 Cor 2:16)—His way of seeing and feeling reality.”