In an eventful time for the Catholic Church, its spiritual leader Francis visits the United Arab Emirates
The Pope Francis will spent his time in the Muslime country from February 3-5, 2019. It’s definitely a historical event. For peace in the world it is essential that the great religions of the world treat each other respectfully and peacefully. Such encounters can, must contribute to this. Therefore, the current major problems of the Catholic Church, such as the mass abuse of minor children and the cover-ups of these outrages, the question of homosexuality within and outside the Church, the position of women within the Church and the person of the Pope, are discussed. Cardinals demand his resignation and want to call a new conclave for the election of the Pope.
However, the faithful will be able to meet the Pope on February 5 at Zayed Sports City during a Holy Mass celebrated by the Holy Father. 120,000 tickets will be issued. The demand is said to be many times higher. It is not only Christians from the UAE who want to take part in the Mass, but also from the riparian states. I hear the Indian interest is particularly strong. The flight time between Abu Dhabi and Bangalore is only 3 hours and 45 minutes, between the Indian capitol Mumbai 3 hours and 10 minutes. So for the Catholics in India it is very tempting to see the Holy Father live. Who know when he will visit India?
As we have seen recently on the Internet, the Pope has a special, heartfelt relationship with children
It is therefore expected that many children will also attend the Papal Mass. Naturally little children are very exited to get a chance to see Pope Francis for the first time in their life, the “Deputy of Jesus Christ on Earth”. Also Jesus said already “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) So in preparing these inquisitive young minds that are ever so full of questions on ‘who is Pope Francis?’ The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA), in charge for the countries UAE, Oman and Yemen under the leadership of Bishop Paul Hinder has released a book ‘Meet Pope Francis in the UAE’.
We showed the book to a few children to see their reaction
The kids were super excited, to know that Pope Francis as a child was just like them and loves soccer even now. The book is designed with a sticker guide engaging the children in learning about Pope Francis and his journey to becoming a Pope,” said Fr. Gandolf Wild, Secretary to the Apostolic Vicar. There are over 25.000 children in the UAE that attend Catechism classes or Sunday School as it is commonly known. The one hour lesson each weekend, which is on either Friday or Saturday – this is the Muslim weekend – in Church premises, is taught by lay people known as Catechists. It helps in building and shaping the children’s catholic beliefs and faith. Catechists are expected to focus their weekly lesson on ‘Meet Pope Francis in UAE’ during class.
“The book is being used to explain to children on the visit of Pope Francis and its significance, spiritual value for our lives and our migrant church. The Catechists will discuss the role of the Pope, his ministry and why he travels for peace, living in harmony, in respect for others and for creation. Each child attending Catechism in the parishes will receive a free copy of the book on the weekend of 18 January, 2019.”.
Author: ©Newsleaf
