A prominent Vatican official, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, commenced a significant two-day pastoral visit to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, bringing a message of faith to the large Catholic community ahead of Christmas celebrations. The Filipino Cardinal, who serves as the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, is scheduled to preside over Simbang Gabi evening masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on December 16th and St. Joseph’s Parish in Abu Dhabi the following day.
The visit holds particular significance for the substantial Filipino expatriate population in the UAE, with Cardinal Tagle planning dedicated meetings with community members and church leaders. Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, expressed profound joy at the Cardinal’s arrival, noting it represents a special Christmas gift that strengthens the unity of the diverse Catholic community in the region.
The traditional Simbang Gabi observance, which traces its origins to 17th-century Spanish colonial Philippines, has found a vibrant new home in the UAE. The nine-day novena mass series began with remarkable attendance figures, as over 20,000 worshippers participated in the inaugural ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Monday, demonstrating the deep roots this Filipino tradition has established within the Gulf nation’s multicultural landscape.
Cardinal Tagle’s visit symbolizes the continued closeness of Pope Leo XIV to the faithful in Arabia, following the pontiff’s recent apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon last month. The 68-year-old cardinal, who also holds positions as president of the Catholic Biblical Federation and cardinal-bishop of Albano, is renowned for his exceptional ability to connect with people’s hearts and support their spiritual journeys, making his presence particularly meaningful during the Advent season.