There was also the time for those taking part in the Jubilee of the Youth in Rome to share some in-depth information about their pilgrimage.

On November 8 and 9, more than 200 young people from across the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) gathered at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Ras Al Khaimah to celebrate their Jubilee.

The event, organized by the AVOSA Young Adult Ministry (YAM), was held under the theme “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Over two days of prayer, reflection, and fellowship, participants deepened their faith, reflected on themes connected to their daily lives, and enjoyed moments of joy, music, and community. The program also allowed time to rest, relax, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Priests and lay adults accompanied them throughout the event, offering guidance and friendship on their journey of faith.

Participants who had attended the Jubilee of Youth in Rome in July also shared insights and personal experiences from their pilgrimage, offering testimony and inspiration to the group.

A powerful keynote speech by Bishop Paolo Martinelli invited the youth to “look up”—to raise their gaze from their screens and open themselves to encounter. 

“Indeed, our deepest questions are not heard or answered by endlessly scrolling on our cell phones but through going beyond ourselves,” as Pope Leo recently wrote in his message for the World Youth Day.

The same invitation resonated through the words, lives, and examples of four saints whom the Bishop proposed as models to follow: Pier Giorgio Frassati, Carlo Acutis, Francesco d’Assisi, and Agostino. Each of them pursued their deepest desires until they discovered Jesus as the true source of joy. They kept their eyes fixed on Him, placing Christ at the center of their lives and every action.