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OFWs in UAE invited to attend 'Simbang Gabi'

Philippines | National

OFWs in UAE invited to attend 'Simbang Gabi'

By Christina Hermoso

Overseas Filipino workers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates are invited to attend the nine day ‘Simbang Gabi’ at the St Joseph Cathedral as part of their spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

‘Simbang Gabi’ in Abu Dhabi 2022 (Photo courtesy of Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi)

The theme for the traditional votive masses is “Liwanag ng Pasko gabay sa sama-samang paglalakbay” (The light of Christmas: Guide in our collective journey) from the Synod on Synodality.

Franciscan Capuchin Fr. Troadio delos Santos said that aside from the colorful decorations displayed during Christmas and the cold Christmas air, the faithful must remember to attend Eucharistic celebrations to welcome Christ.

“The Katolikong Pinoy in Abu Dhabi is inviting everyone to join the ‘Simbang Gabi’ 2023 at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 15 to 23 at 8 p.m.,”said Fr. delos Santos on their Facebook page.

OFWs and all those who are interested in joining the masses but cannot attend physically may log in to the official Facebook page of the Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi (KPAD).

KPAD Director Rommel Pangilinan said OFWs in the UAE and in other countries in the Middle East are looking forward to attend the ‘Simbang Gabi’ either at the cathedral or online.

“As a gift to my fellow OFWs, the holy masses will be live streamed for those who will not be able to attend physically, for those who live far, we will bring the masses to your homes,” Pangilinan said.

Fr. Hans Magdurulang and Fr. Dave Concepcion recently held a recollection for the OFWs in Abu Dhabi.

Grace Relucio Princesa, the Filipino ambassador to the Holy See said that of the one million Roman Catholics in the UAE, around 700,000 are Filipinos.

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