Christmas is round the corner and people from around the world in Oman will celebrate it in many diverse ways. In this festive Season of Advent, Fr Stephen Lewis, parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, calls on the faithful to “accept everyone as a ‘gift of God’ to share love,” in an exclusive interview to Muscat Daily. Excerpts:

On the occasion of Christmas 2024, what is your broad message to the faithful of Ruwi parish as well as to  people of other faiths in Oman?

We are living in a world of uncertainty, struggles, despair, war, violence, poverty, hunger, thirst etc. In Christmas, we celebrate God becoming human. Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. So, the message of Christmas is the message of Hope that God has not abandoned us. He loves us unconditionally. We are unique and precious to God.  

When Jesus was born, the angels sang of peace. In our troubled world today, peace is the most required virtue. The celebration of Christmas ignites this hope for peace, love and harmony in the world.

In the current age of fast-paced modern lifestyles, how best can we all imbibe the  essence of Christmas in our day-to-day life?

The world is changing, but God’s love for his people is abiding forever.  In spite of the hustle around us we need to realise that God is in control of everything. During the birth of Jesus, Bethlehem was full of activity and, therefore, no one noticed Joseph and Mary who was carrying Jesus in her womb. The people who were in the ‘inn’ did not give place to Jesus because they were too much into business. Therefore, Jesus was born in the silence of a  cow shed. We need to slow down and have quietness to experience the presence of Jesus.

Do you feel specially privileged this year to be serving  people in the Land of Frankincense – one of the key gifts of the Majii to the baby Jesus?

Yes, it is our privilege to celebrate Christmas in this Land of Frankincense. Frankincense is offered to God. As the smoke of Frankincense rises, we believe our prayers rise to the throne of God.

What is the current strength of the Catholic population of Ruwi parish and how many nationalities do they represent?

We have roughly a 5,000-strong Catholic population. They are from India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and a few from Africa and  Europe.  

How considerate and respectful is the Roman Catholic Church in Oman to the sentiments and sensibilities of the citizens of Oman?

The Catholic Church, first, is grateful to the people of the Sultanate of Oman. As Catholics, we respect the faith of every person, because faith is the way of expressing one’s relationship with God. We respect their belief and value system, their culture and tradition. Even though we are expats, we enjoy the hospitality, kindness, love of the people of Oman.  

How cooperative and supportive have the authorities concerned been towards the programmes and arrangements conducted by the church throughout the year?

We are extremely grateful to His Majesty, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the government officials and all the authorities who are so benevolent towards the Catholic Church in the Sultanate of Oman. We have been

given the freedom to practice our faith and the place to worship. We experience security, peace and harmony in this country. We are highly indebted to them.  

How mutually cooperative and supportive have the different denominations of Christians in one common campus been over the years? 

The different denominations being together in one campus is a blessing. All of us express our faith in Jesus Christ in our own way, there is mutual respect. The relationship between the churches has been amicable. During Christmas, we come together for the Ecumenical carol singing. When there is any common concern, we meet together.  

The Ruwi parish plot was gifted at a time when the numbers of the faithful were much much less – would you think there is need now to move to a bigger plot?

With the present situation, we are happy with the plot that we have. The plot and the Church is sufficient for us for the purpose of worship. In order to accommodate all the people we have the services held at different times on weekends.  

What is your general exhortation to parishioners in terms of participation, discipline, socialising as well as reaching out to the less fortunate?

As we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the generosity of God. God gives, gives and he ever gives. He gave his own son Jesus for our salvation. Therefore, let us give ourselves for the wellbeing of others. It could be our time to the lonely, compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness, to those in need. Love everyone as Jesus loved all people without prejudice and discrimination. Follow the civil and religious norms. Accept everyone as a ‘gift of God’ in our life to share love.

In your experience in other parts of the Gulf, how best would you credit the faithful in Oman and their devotional attitudes?

The faith of the people here is great. People do feel the need of God. They are faithful in their practice of faith. The participation in the Church, devotions, the way the children are encouraged and disciplined in the religious practice is amazing. Being together as a community from different parts of the world, the piety and practices of others enriches the faith of each other.