“We are ready to join other young people from different parts of the world on this pilgrimage, full of hope in the mission of sharing Christ’s love, especially with our peers. We have hope, because we know that God loves us.”

This was stated to Fides by Father Rodel Aclan, Head of Youth Ministry of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA), who, along with three other priests from the Vicariate, arrived in Rome to accompany 22 young pilgrims for the Jubilee of Youth, which began today, July 28, and will conclude on August 3.

"Our Bishop, Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of AVONA, will join us during the most significant moments of the Jubilee," he added.

"This is a moment of grace for the Church, and especially for young people, who represent the hope for a better future. It is an opportunity to share experiences with peers from different countries, to gain awareness of one's own culture and Catholic practices, and to inspire one another on the journey of faith," Father Rodel emphasizes. "This celebration sends a clear message to all young Catholics and to young people throughout the world: they are important and have not been forgotten." They, too, are protagonists of the faith and of the society in which they live."

"After the official opening of the Jubilee Year in December 2024 and the announcement of the events to be held throughout the year, Bishop Berardi entrusted me, as Youth Director of the Vicariate, with the task of preparing our young people to participate in this event. This was no surprise to us, given that, since the beginning of his episcopal ministry, our Apostolic Vicar has shown special attention to the spiritual and pastoral well-being of the young people of the Vicariate, and has closely guided us ever since."

Father Rodel also explained the context in which AVONA's youth ministry carries out its work. "We could divide it into two large groups. On the one hand, adolescents, sons and daughters of migrant workers from the Vicariate, who attend local schools. On the other, young professionals of various nationalities who work in the countries under our jurisdiction: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia." These young people often participate actively in parish life, serving in various liturgical ministries—as altar servers, choirs, or lectors—or by joining linguistic communities linked to their country of origin (the Philippines, India, Arab countries, etc.), as well as in charismatic groups that contribute to the vitality of our parishes in the Gulf.

“At the same time, we find ourselves in a rather unique situation,” explains the priest. “Our youth ministry faces numerous challenges, one of which is the ability to meet in person and in large numbers. Space for meetings and activities is limited. Teenagers or students rely on their parents for transportation to church, so their participation in youth activities and training depends on their parents' availability. Young professionals often have to prioritize work or careers, especially because they are new to the country, resulting in very limited time for youth ministry activities.”

“However,” Father Rodel emphasized, “they are the focus of our pastoral attention, because we know they need spiritual closeness. We want to accompany them and nourish their life of faith through the sacraments they have received and through fraternal communion. We do not want them to feel alone or abandoned. We wish to offer them our presence and our friendship."

"With the guidance and affectionate support of our bishop and the parish priests in their respective parishes, we trust that youth ministry will continue to grow and accompany the young people of the Vicariate. The participation of youth from this part of the world will truly inspire them to encourage and bring others of their age closer to our Mother Church.