On September 7, the UAE Pastoral Meeting was held at St. Mary’s Church in Dubai under the leadership of Bishop Paolo Martinelli.

Priests serving in the different parishes and those responsible for the Vicariate offices gathered in a friendly atmosphere after the summer break, at the beginning of a new pastoral year.

In his opening address, Bishop Paolo spoke in particular about the recent meeting of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA), held in Rome, in which he took part. He went through Pope Leo’s address during the private audience step by step, highlighting the different topics touched upon by the Holy Father and their significance for the Church in the Gulf.

He also referred to the meetings held with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness; and Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Bishop Paolo also announced that Bishop Paul Hinder will return to Switzerland, his country of origin, at the end of October. A special farewell and thanksgiving celebration will be held for the occasion.

He also referred to the upcoming departure of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe El-Kassis, who will leave for New York to begin his new mission as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. Bishop Paolo also announced the arrival of Msgr. Grzegorz Piotr Bielaszka, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature.

The Bishop welcomed and introduced Fr. Andrew Francis, the new parish priest of Al Ain, who was installed on August 15, as well as the priests who have recently arrived to serve in different parishes and communities of the Vicariate and the visiting priests. He also introduced Sister Purnima, the new director of St. Mary Catholic High School in Dubai.

The discussion then focused on the beginning of the new catechetical year in the parishes of the Vicariate. Several participants referred to the difficulties experienced since last March, when catechetical sessions had to move online because of restrictions linked to the situation in the country and the wider Gulf region. Particular attention was given to the need to involve not only children but also their parents, supporting families as they journey together in faith.

Another point discussed in depth was the Synodal Process, which is now in its implementation phase and aims to foster renewed practices and structures that can make the life of the Church increasingly synodal. Bishop Paolo outlined what has been done so far and the steps that will need to be taken over the next two years.

Updates from the different Vicariate offices followed, including Family Ministry, Interfaith & Ecumenical Dialogue Office (IFEDO) and Young Adult Ministry, whose activities are now focusing on formation in preparation for World Youth Day 2027. An update was also provided on the initiatives planned in the UAE and Oman for the Franciscan Year.