Nearly 90 young Catholics from the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) have begun a two-week spiritual journey to Italy to join the Vatican’s Jubilee of the Youth, set to take place in Rome from July 28 to August 3.
The delegation, composed of around 80 pilgrims from the United Arab Emirates and 10 from Oman, left on July 21 for what Church leaders hope will be a transformative experience of faith and community.
Organized by the Vicariate’s Young Adult Ministry (YAM), the pilgrimage will include visits to significant Franciscan sites — Padua, Assisi, and San Giovanni Rotondo — before reaching Rome.
Many in the group are first-time visitors to Italy, according to the vicariate. But beyond the excitement of travel, the young participants say they are seeking something deeper.
“I believe I can gain much spiritual fruit from it,” said Thianna, a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi. “I feel that this trip can transform all of us young adults. We’ll meet others from all over the world and be united in Christ. I truly believe that through this pilgrimage, we can change the world.”
The weeklong Jubilee in Rome will feature catechesis sessions, cultural encounters, and key liturgical celebrations led by Pope Leo XIV, including a prayer vigil on Saturday and a concluding Mass on Sunday.
For Jeyal, a young pilgrim from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Ruwi, Oman, the upcoming Jubilee of Youth in Rome represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — especially the chance to attend Mass at the Vatican alongside thousands of fellow young Catholics and Pope Leo XIV.
The youth pilgrims are accompanied by priests and religious sisters involved in youth and vocations ministry. Among them is Fr. Godfrey Rodriques, who reflected on the deeper meaning of the journey.
“This is more than just a trip — it’s a journey of faith, a time to pray, reflect, and discover that we are part of something much greater than ourselves,” he said. “For me personally, it’s a chance to renew my own sense of purpose and draw closer to God in the heart of the Church.”
He said the opportunity to be in Rome, visit sacred sites, and journey alongside youth from diverse cultures would be deeply enriching.
He expressed hope that the experience would leave a lasting impact, particularly on the young pilgrims, inspiring them to return home renewed in spirit, strengthened in faith, and filled with joy.
Before their departure, the delegation gathered on July 13 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi for a formation session and commissioning. The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia.
In a symbolic gesture, Bishop Martinelli handed over the Vicariate flag and pilgrimage Cross to the young pilgrims — items they will carry with them throughout the journey. “They go to Rome to encounter Jesus, to let themselves be loved by Him, to allow their hearts to be healed and renewed,” he said.
The bishop is also expected to travel to Rome and walk alongside the youth as they cross the Holy Door and join thousands of other young Catholics in the heart of the universal Church.
