The Holy See has officially approved the new Particular Calendar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia a significant step in recognizing the unique religious heritage and cultural diversity of the Catholic Church in the Gulf region.
Newsroom (21/08/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Holy See has officially approved the new Particular Calendar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA), a significant step in recognizing the unique religious heritage and cultural diversity of the Catholic Church in the Gulf region. The liturgical calendar, sanctioned by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, integrates local saints and traditions, reflecting the vibrant history and ecumenical spirit of the Church in this multi-ethnic region.
Patron Saints of AVOSA
The decree designates Saints Peter and Paul as the principal patrons of AVOSA, with their solemnity celebrated on June 29. Additionally, the Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated under the title Our Lady of Arabia, is named the patroness of the entire Gulf region, with her feast observed on the Saturday following the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. These designations underscore the spiritual foundations of the Vicariate and its connection to the universal Church.
Honoring Regional Saints
The calendar highlights saints with direct ties to AVOSA’s territory, emphasizing the region’s Christian legacy. Key figures include the 6th-century Yemeni martyrs Arethas and companions (October 24), Ethiopian King Caleb (Elesbaan), instrumental in Yemen’s Christianization (May 15), and Blessed Charles Deckers, a missionary priest martyred in Algeria for his work in interreligious dialogue (May 8). These saints embody the historical and missionary roots of the local Church.
Unity in Diversity
Two celebrations emphasize the unity of AVOSA’s diverse, multi-lingual faithful. The Anniversary of the Dedication of Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi (February 25) serves as a symbol of communal harmony, while a commemoration of all deceased missionaries who served the Vicariate (November 5) honors their enduring legacy.
Christianity’s Historical Roots in Arabia
The calendar also recognizes saints linked to the spread of Christianity across the Arabian Peninsula. Among them are the 3rd-century martyrs Cosmas and Damian (September 26), the 5th-century ascetic Simeon Stylite, whose witness converted many Arab tribes (July 27), the Syrian soldier-martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, revered by Arab communities (October 8), and the 7th-century Qatari mystic St. Isaac the Syrian (January 29). These figures highlight the deep Christian heritage of the region.
Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
In a nod to ecumenical and interreligious fraternity, the calendar includes St. Isaac the Syrian, originally venerated in the Assyrian Church of the East and recently added to the Roman Martyrology by Pope Francis. Alongside Old Testament figures such as Abraham (October 9), Moses (September 4), and Job (May 10, exclusive to Salalah, Oman), these inclusions reflect the shared spiritual heritage of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, fostering dialogue in a region marked by religious diversity.
Ember Days for Prayer and Penance
The Vatican has also approved the inclusion of Ember Days, traditional periods of penance and prayer adapted to AVOSA’s context. The First Friday of March, during Lent, will focus on prayers for peace and vocations within the Vicariate. The First Fridays of June and November, coinciding with the onset of summer and winter, will be dedicated to gratitude for creation, petitions for favorable weather, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
This new liturgical calendar not only enriches the spiritual life of Catholics in Southern Arabia but also serves as a testament to the Church’s commitment to unity, heritage, and interfaith dialogue in a region of profound cultural and religious significance.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from avosa.org
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