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A new beginning for faithful: UAE Catholics

DUBAI — Catholics in the UAE said the elevation of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis marks a new beginning in the spiritual life of the community. Special prayers and masses were held across the Emirates on the occasion.

“It’s a great joy for the St Mary’s Catholic Church here in Dubai. The fact that he chose the name Pope Francis shows his inclination for service. We celebrated with a special mass on Thursday evening,” said Reverend Father Tomasito, Parish Priest.

“We rejoice and praise God for giving us a Pope. Pope Francis I. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., was elected as Supreme Pontiff, the 265^th successor of Peter on Wednesday, March 13, 2013,” read a statement on the church website.

“I hope he brings change. The new Pope signifies a new faith for people who believe,” said Jake Ofrasio, 29, from the Philippines.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the new Pope Francis, is a simple Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who shed the comforts of a car and took the bus in his home city.

For those like Maliekal Raju, a parishioner for 20 years, it doesn’t matter where the Pope hails from. “He was chosen by God and he is the right person to lead the church.”

“I think he is modest and humble and I hope he will bring stability to the church,” said Jesse Anthony Magracia, 35, also from the Philippines.

Filipina Kristine Abante, 30, saw a larger meaning in the elevation of Argentine Cardinal. “The Jesus I know walked the streets and was friends with lepers and the downtrodden. It gives me hope to have the new Pope come from a third world country, and really embody that humility,” she said.

There are seven Roman Catholic churches in the UAE with parishioners from across the world attending masses. Filipinos, Indians, Sri Lankans, Lebanese form a large part of the community. Masses were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Abu Dhabi, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Sharjah, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Al Ain, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Fujairah, St. Anthony of Padua Church, Ras Al Khaimah and at centres in Kalba, Khorfakkan and Dibba. Bishop Paul Hinder from Switzerland heads the Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia and is based in Abu Dhabi.

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