Goan catechists in Gulf make pilgrimage to Italy

KUWAIT

For the first time, 25 catechists hailing from Goa, India and other countries in the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) comprising Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, embarked on a pilgrimage across Italy.

During their pilgrimage from September 25 to October 5, they visited some of the Church’s most sacred sites and experiencing the country’s rich culture, art, and history.

VATICAN

This pilgrimage marks a profound moment for the Catechists, as it was a part of the broader Jubilee celebrations of 2025. The special days for the catechists in these Jubilee celebrations were from September 26-28. They had a jubilee procession, a general audience with the Holy Father and a Eucharistic celebration with the Pope.

The Jubilee Audience with the Holy Father was truly enriching for the catechists, as it was the first time we encountered the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. During the special Papal Mass for catechists on September 28, catechists around the world received the Ministry of Catechism from Pope Leo XIV. For the AVONA pilgrims, this was a moment of deep grace, as the Holy Father’s words encouraged them to continue their mission with renewed zeal.

Catechists from AVONA and the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) along with the AVOSA Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, met together during the Papal Mass. It was a joyous moment for all of us. We even did an interview for the local television channel. Attending the Papal Mass with the Holy Father on Catechists’ Day was a profound blessing that filled each heart with joy and gratitude.

ROME

The journey began in Rome on September 25. Our group prayed at the four Major Basilicas—St Peter’s, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul outside the Walls. We also got to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, treasures that continue to inspire awe and devotion.

Cultural stops included the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Leaning Tower of Pisa, a walk around the Colosseum and Piazza Navona, where beauty and history blend seamlessly.

PADUA

From Rome we travelled to Padua, the place of St Anthony, a popular saint in the Catholic Church. We broke the journey at Florence to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Accademia Gallery and walked through the Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria, ending the day with the city’s iconic dessert, Affogato.

Being in Padua at the Basilica of St Anthony and celebrating Mass was a dream come true for many. Getting an opportunity to touch and pray near the Relics of the great saint was truly unbelievable.

Our spiritual thirst was further deepened and solidified when we also visited the Sanctuary of Mary, Mystical Rose/Rosa Mistica. Many prayed on their knees and walked in the water to seek repentance and conversion. [To be continued.]

[The writer is Director of Catechism and Bible Studies in AVONA.]