News - December 2024 RSS Feed

Bp Paolo inaugurated the Jubilee Year for the Vicariate of Southern Arabia with a solemn celebration at St Joseph's Cathedral in the presence of representatives of all the parishes of our vicariate.

At Christmas we celebrate the humility of God. Why did God show himself to us in the fragility of a child who is born and not showing his invincible omnipotence? Because he wants us to welcome him and love him in freedom and not out of fear.

Let us become for each other angels announcing the joy of Christmas. We are children of the light. We must shine in the darkness!

"If God has overcome the distance between heaven and earth, with his help we can overcome every other distance and be united in the love of Christ."

"I invite you to live intensely these last days to prepare us for Christmas. Let us imitate Mary who went to help her cousin in need, let us help those who are in need; let us purify our hearts from sin, let us recognize the action of God in our lives, let us recognize the presence of Christ in our brothers and sisters."

"Every meeting between Christians should be like that of between Mary and Elizabeth, full of joy for the work of God. We must learn to look at people with a gaze of faith and recognize in the other the presence and work of God. In this way we will be free and joyful."

"Jesus is God with us, he is God's closeness and company to everybody. This is the foundation of our joy. In solitude there is sadness and darkness; with Jesus there is Light, joy, peace and reconciliation; forgiveness of our sins."

Bp Paolo writes a letter to the children as they prepare to celebrate Christmas. "While you prepare the nativity scene, don't forget to prepare your heart to welcome Jesus."

Bp Paolo Martinelli celebrated the first mass of the Filipino traditional Simbang Gabi in Ras Al Khaimah

Bp Paolo invites us to ask ourselves what the foundation of our joy is, where do we place our hope?

Bp Paolo announces that, in our Vicariate, the Jubilee Year will be celebrated from 29 December 2024 to 28 December 2025 and there will be 3 "Shrine Churches" for pilgrimage and plenary indulgence, one in each of the countries of the vicariate : UAE, Oman, Yemen.

Bp Paolo celebrated mass at Al Ain Parish of Saint Mary, dedicated to her Immaculate Conception, for its patronal feast.

John the Baptist reminds us that we must arrive prepared for the encounter with the Lord. If someone important comes to visit us at home, we need to check that everything is prepared to welcome him. If something weighs down your heart, have faith in the Lord, increase your prayer, approach the sacrament of reconciliation, confession. Jesus did not come only 2025 years ago, he continues to come into our lives. The true hallmark of a Christian is joy, even in hardship, even when we feel the oppression of our limits and sins. God is greater and his mercy makes all things new, he makes our hearts new.

For the first time, a meeting of the Catholic religion teachers was held along with Bp Paolo Martinelli who addressed them words of gratitude for their dedication, elements of reflection on their mission especially on the specific context we live in, and encouraging them to be witnesses.

On the occasion of the World Youth Day on 24 November 2024, Pope Francis addressed a special message to the youth of the vicariate thanks to Bp Paolo who had met him in Rome. "Youth is the time of life to SOW"

A mini WYD was held in in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE on November 24, bringing together youth from across the vicariate for a day of fellowship, and reflection. Mgr. Paolo Martinelli was present to guide and support the youth throughout the day.

Bp Paolo participated in the Catholic Congress Middle-East Leaders Conference in Dubai along with Arch. Rafael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church

Bp Paolo participated in the Syro-Malabar Day 2024 in St Mary's parish in Dubai along with Arch. Rafael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, and Mgr. Christophe El-Kassis, Apostolic Nuncio to the UAE and Yemen.

The Syro-Malabar Day in St Mary's parish began with a Holy Qurbana concelebrated by Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar church. Bp Paolo addressed him a welcome speech at the beginning of the celebration.

Advent reminds us of the first coming of the Lord, and of his coming at the end of time and while waiting, he does not stop coming among us. He never leaves us alone. Let us not weigh down our hearts with distractions and useless worries. Let us say every day with our hearts: come Lord Jesus, come among us, we need you, we love you.