The Filipino community in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates will observe the traditional Simbang Gabi online.
Gis specialist and field soil technician Rommel Pangilinan, social media director of Katolikong Pinoy in Abu Dhabi said, the nine-day masses will be streamed online for the safety of all those who want to observe the age-old Christmas tradition.
“We have to adhere to the guidelines of the government on safety. We will have a virtual Simbang Gabi observance this year,” said Pangilinan over Radio Veritas.
Pangilinan said, mass gatherings are also prohibited in the UAE, including religious gatherings to help prevent the spread of COVD-19. “This may be God’s plan for the holding and observance of the Simbang Gabi, that we complete the nine-day masses safely as we join online,” he said.
A report by the World Meters Info said, there are 172,000 COVID-19 cases in the UAE, with 14,000 active cases and 156, 000 recoveries
The online Simbang Gabi masses may be viewed through the Facebook page of Katolikong Pinoy in Abu Dhabi from the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi from December 15 to December 23 at 7 p.m.
Rev. Fr. Troy de los Santos, OFM Cap., Vicar General of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia is encouraging the more than one million Roman Catholics in Abu Dhabi to join the Eucharistic celebration.
There are about 700, 000 Catholic overseas Filipino workers in Abu Dhabi.