The Pastoral Meeting for priests and pastoral workers serving the Vicariate across the UAE has been held at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Ras Al Khaimah, offering a moment of fraternity, shared reflection, and pastoral coordination.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Paolo Martinelli introduced the Franciscan Jubilee Year, inviting participants to rediscover its significance for the life of the Vicariate. He also encouraged the priests to deepen the Lenten message of Pope Leo XIV, particularly the spiritual meaning of fasting as a path of conversion and solidarity, as the Church enters the Lenten season.

During the meeting, Bishop Paolo shared updates on recent initiatives, including a conference in Assisi on Christian witness in Islamic countries and interreligious dialogue, as well as a formation course in Cairo for the Friars Minor on the Franciscan way of living the Church’s mission.

The gathering also looked ahead to several important moments in the life of the Vicariate, including the 100th World Mission Day (October 18), initiatives connected to the Lenten journey, and the launch of a new Bible project. Communications from the various Vicariate offices highlighted once again the richness of ecclesial life in the Vicariate and the ongoing commitment to accompany the spiritual journey of the faithful.

The Franciscan Year
“The history of our Apostolic Vicariate is profoundly linked to Franciscan spirituality, thanks to the Capuchin missionaries who began serving the Catholics in the Gulf in the early 1800s. This Franciscan Year can be a great opportunity to rediscover and spread the fundamental values embodied by the saint of Assisi in this part of the world,” the Bishop said.

He also highlighted the importance of the relic from the Porziuncola, which will accompany him during pastoral visits across the Vicariate. “The presence of this relic among us strengthens our vocation to be a Church of dialogue and encounter.”

Part of the meeting focused on pastoral initiatives connected to the Franciscan Year, including formation moments and retreats on Franciscan spirituality, artistic and educational initiatives, and activities for children and catechism groups. The possibility of strengthening the presence of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) within the Vicariate was also discussed.

Recalling the history of the Vicariate, Bishop Paul Hinder mentioned the former cathedral in Yemen dedicated to St. Francis, describing it as “a symbol of the suffering and perseverance of the local Church.” Bishop Paolo also invited everyone to pray for the Missionaries of Charity in the northern part of the country, who are currently facing a challenging situation.