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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OFWs in the Middle East invited to join virtual 'Simbang Gabi'

OFWs in the Middle East invited to join virtual 'Simbang Gabi'

Published Dec 17, 2021 11:06 am

The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) is inviting overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East to join the virtual “Simbang Gabi” as part of their spiritual preparation for the Nativity of Christ.

Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi (Facebook)

Franciscan Capuchin Father Troy De los Santos, Vicar General of AVOSA, encouraged all Filipino Catholics working in the Middle East to join the online holy masses in observance of the Filipino tradition amid the pandemic.

"I am encouraging all Filipino Catholics here in Abu Dhabi (UAE) to live out the love of Christ by sharing this love to others without hesitation and without expecting anything in return. Let us give just like Christ who even gave up His life for us,” said Fr. De Los Santos over Radio Veritas.

The priest said the “Simbang Gabi” masses will be held online as a safety measure against the coronavirus. He called on the Filipino Catholics in Abu Dhabi and Ruwais to join the virtual masses which will be celebrated at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

The theme for the “Simbang Gabi” 2021 sa United Arab Emirates is “Pasko: Pagmamahalan, Pagbibigayan, at Paglalakbay Tungo Kay Kristo” in accordance with the Synod 2021 – 2023 and the observance of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.

"Whatever help we can give to others, whether financial or spiritual, is a worthy gesture,” said Fr. De Los Santos to the more than 500,000 OFWs in the area.

Rommel Pangilinan, Social Media Director of the Katolikong Pinoy in Abu Dhabi said, the pandemic will not stop Filipino Catholics in the Middle East from observing the traditional “Simbang Gabi” albeit online.

The holy masses may be viewed through the Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi Facebook page and YouTube channel from Dec. 15 to 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the UAE. The virtual “Simbang Gabi” will also feature reflections from CBCP president, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and CBCP vice president, Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara.

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Christmas Simbang Gabi OFWs MIDDLE EAST OFW
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