The first Catholic church built in Oman has opened a yearlong celebration marking its 50th anniversary, highlighting the history and missionary role of the country’s Catholic community, which includes migrants from different nations.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, presided over the inaugural Mass on Nov. 6 at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Ruwi, Muscat.
The celebration launched the church’s golden jubilee year, which runs through Nov. 5, 2027. The church was consecrated on Nov. 4, 1977.
The parish was established during the modernization of Oman under the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose policies of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence enabled migrant communities to establish places of worship.
What began as a house of prayer for foreign workers in 1977 has grown into a parish serving tens of thousands of Catholics from different countries, cultures and liturgical traditions.
The jubilee, themed “Built on the Rock, Driven by the Spirit,” commemorates the parish’s history and its continuing mission in the Arabian Peninsula.
Celebrations began on Nov. 5 with the raising of the golden jubilee flag, followed by First Vespers presided over by Bishop Martinelli.
Representatives of neighboring Christian denominations joined the parish community in prayer, reflecting the ecumenical relations developed in the sultanate.
During the inaugural Mass, Bishop Martinelli blessed and opened the church’s main entrance, symbolizing the beginning of a period of spiritual renewal.
He also consecrated the jubilee altar and lit the jubilee candle as part of the celebration.
In his homily, the prelate reflected on the lives of Saints Peter and Paul and urged Catholics to use the anniversary to deepen their faith.
“The Jubilee is a time to remember God’s gifts, especially the gift of this church where the faithful gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the sacrament of love and unity,” said Bishop Martinelli.
He also called on the congregation to recognize the missionary role of Catholics living and working in the Gulf.
“Jesus Christ has transformed us from a people of migrants into a people of missionaries called to witness the joy of the Gospel and to collaborate with every person of good will for a more humane world. May the Spirit and missionary zeal of the Apostles Peter and Paul move our hearts to be a synodal Church on mission,” he said.
The Holy See, through the Apostolic Penitentiary, has granted a plenary indulgence to Catholics who visit Saints Peter and Paul Church during the jubilee year and fulfill the customary conditions.
These include sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope.
Fr. Darick D’Souza read the papal decree to the congregation before the final blessing of the inaugural Mass.
The parish has organized a yearlong program of liturgical celebrations, catechetical activities and community service projects to mark the anniversary.
Each month will feature different parish ministries, ethnic communities and age groups, reflecting the diversity of the Catholic population served by the church.
Fr. Stephen Lewis, parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Church, said the anniversary offers an opportunity to remember the parish’s history while strengthening its mission.
“As we celebrate our past, we also look to the future with hope,” said Fr. Lewis.
“May this Jubilee renew our faith, deepen our unity, and inspire us to serve one another and bear witness to Christ through our lives. May Saints Peter and Paul continue to guide us in fidelity to the Gospel and courage in our mission,” he added.
