APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF NORTHERN ARABIA: The Magazine n.5 “Sower” is now online

The Fifth issue of ‘SOWER’ Magazine is now available on the website of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, Avona (www.avona.org).‘SOWER’, which means “one who sows”, is not merely a title but outlines the editorial line of this magazine, which aims to be a means of sowing faith, hope, mercy and charity by providing information on the activities of Missio Avona, the Vicariate’s Pontifical Mission Societies, as well as providing pastoral and theological content.

The editorial by Father Marcus Fernandes, OFMCap, Delegate of Missio Avona, sets the tone for the newly published issue. In addition to highlighting the coincidence of the start of Christian Lent with that of the Islamic Ramadan, Father Fernandes emphasizes the theme of peace, which is more relevant than ever in these times, and the Franciscan Jubilee Year proclaimed by the Pope. He invites readers to read the final articles of the publication, which focus on the experience of the Neocatechumenal Way and the celebration of Missionary Childhood Day 2026 in Bahrain.

The V issue features in-depth articles on Lent as a time to return to God, and includes the Easter 2026 message from the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T.  Significant space is also given to the news of the elevation to minor basilica of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi, Kuwait, which took place on January 16 during an official ceremony presided over by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Parolin, at the end of a two-day official visit to the country.

Meanwhile, a large section of this issue, as announced by the  Delegate of Missio Avona in his editorial, is dedicated to the celebration of the Special Year marking the eighth centenary of the death of the Saint of Assisi, with an in-depth look at several Franciscan sites and the publication of the decree in which Bishop Berardi announces the designation of certain places within the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia where, under the conditions set out in the decree, it is possible to obtain a plenary indulgence.