Doha – On Saturday, September 26, 2026, a historic chapter was written in the annals of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. After two years of dedicated preparatory work and promotional missioning by the Missio-Avona office, the Pontifical Holy Childhood Society was officially launched at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Doha, Qatar.
“More than 80 children between the ages of 6 and 14 stepped forward to join this pontifical and global society of young missionaries, becoming part of a worldwide network committed to living and witnessing to the faith through prayer, sharing and solidarity,” writes Father Marcus Fernandes, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, Delegate of Missio-Avona, to Fides news Agency.
The Solemn Inaugural Mass, was presided over by Vicar General Fr. Ruben Berrameda, and concelebrated by Fr. Paul Raj, the Parish Priest; Fr. Rosario Colaco, OFM Cap., the newly appointed Spiritual Director for the Holy Childhood; and Fr. Marcus Fernandes. Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Avona, whose territory encompasses Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, could not attend the celebration due to traveling to his hometown for the Apostolic journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
Nevertheless, he sent the community a message of profound joy, encouragement, and blessing, alongside a promise to visit the children in Qatar soon.
In his homily, Father Marcus opened with the familiar athletic phrase: “On your mark, get ready, set, go!” He then drew a comparison between the sports field and the spiritual life, emphasizing that the verb “to go” is an action verb that demands forward momentum with a clear purpose.
The Delegate of Missio-Avona therefore challenged the children and the community to move forward as dynamic missionaries, proclaiming Jesus and His Gospel through both their words and their daily lives.
In doing so, he anchors their mission in the three core mottos of the Holy Childhood Society: to pray, to help, and to share. The invitation is addressed to the youngest members, but it also involves the entire Christian community, which is called to grow together in missionary responsibility.
“Guided by an energetic leadership team,” Father Marcus concludes, “this newly inaugurated society sets a hopeful foundation for the Church in Qatar to flourish through its youngest missionaries.”
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