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Avona
Manama (Agenzia Fides) – September 25, 2025: On this spiritually significant day, a group of 26 devoted catechists from the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) are about to leave for Rome, carrying with them the spiritual blessings of the Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., and the heartfelt message he shared with young pilgrims during the Youth Jubilee last July, encouraging them to "Open their hearts to the Holy Spirit" (see Fides, 28/7/2025).
This pilgrimage marks a profound moment within the Jubilee of Catechists, part of the broader Jubilee of Pilgrims of Hope 2025.
"Organizing this journey was not easy," Nancy, one of the catechists, told Fides. "The catechists, residing across four nations and originally from India, the Philippines, South Africa, and Egypt, have never met in person. We will meet tomorrow, Thursday, September 25, at Istanbul airport, from where we will all continue our journey together to Rome. However, through the grace of modern technology and the spirit of collaboration, we planned every detail—from travel logistics and visa coordination to spiritual preparation and choir rehearsals—via video calls, each offering their time and talents in service of the others."
Led by Father Nelson Lobo, Director of Catechism for AVONA, the group embodies the vibrant tapestry of faith that stretches across the deserts of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. AVONA is a unique mosaic of cultures and languages, home to an estimated 2.2 million Catholics. Its parishes reflect the richness of the Universal Church, encompassing diverse rites—Latin, Maronite, Greek Catholic, Coptic Catholic, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, and Chaldean—all united in one holy, Catholic, and apostolic faith. Among its spiritual landmarks are the newly proclaimed Minor Basilica in Kuwait (see Fides, 1/8/2025) and the region’s largest cathedral, majestically situated in Bahrain.
For many, this pilgrimage marks their first visit to Rome and the Vatican. The anticipation is palpable as they prepare to cross the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and participate in the Holy Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV, joining catechists from around the globe in a celebration of faith and vocation.
"This pilgrimage is more than a journey, it is a response to a divine calling," Nancy remarks. "Living in predominantly non-Christian countries, we catechists recognize the vital role of family and parish in transmitting the faith to the next generation. Our mission is not only to teach the words of Christ, but to embody them, guiding children and youth by example toward holiness. Inspired by the life of the recently canonized St. Carlo Acutis, we strive to be living witnesses of the Gospel, nurturing saints in the making."
The group from Bahrain, of which Nancy is a member, carries with them cherished memories of Pope Francis’s historic visit to their island nation in 2022. Invited by His Majesty King Hamad, the visit was a testament to Bahrain’s enduring commitment to tolerance and peaceful coexistence, values deeply rooted in its tradition of openness to all cultures and religions. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2025)
