by Kat Diaz
Host of TV Maria's faith travel show LAKBITES
Assalamu alaikum (Peace be with you)!
As we traverse discovering our faith, most likely we have come across those who stand among others from different religions and different beliefs yet who still manage to respect others while standing by our own faith. This is very evident in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
We had the privilege to connect and blend with our Oversees Filipino Workers (OFW) as we did our Lakbites feature on them while they celebrated their much-anticipated yearly Misyong Pilipino with the Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi.
As many of us know, the dominant religion in Arab countries is Islam. Which is why there are countless mosques in every place: they have a great devotion to their faith, saying their prayers inside the mosque, school, or even in malls.
But despite that, in Abu Dhabi—being one of the Emirates that is an “open city”—there are also several other religions being practiced. In fact, there is a certain zone wherein the Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque is located alongside the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Evangelical Church and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael.
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding."
But Philip said, "Come, see for yourself."
John 1:46
It is truly heartwarming and rejuvenating to see and experience our faith with our fellow Filipinos in this very different part of the world.
Misyong Pilipino
Misyong Pilipino 2024, organized by Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi, had the theme "Connecting the Dots, Faith in Unseen Paths".
The four-day event was attended by at least 2,500 Filipinos every night! They came from different parts of Abu Dhabi. Some of them even drove 2 hours to attend this gathering each night! Imagine the outpouring of love and the thirst to hear God’s word.
What a blessing to mingle with Filipinos exhibiting bayanihan, hospitality and camaraderie all under one roof. It was like a glimpse of Simbang Gabi in the Middle East, which they say is attended by some 10,000 Filipinos every night!
The pre-event would start at 5:00 p.m. daily for the event coordinator, as they prepared the venue, food, technical requirements and manage the arrival of attendees. Then when the clock strikes 8:00 p.m., the Eucharistic Celebration begins.
This year’s mission priest was Fr. Dave Concepcion, chaplain of the Sto. Niño de Paz (Greenbelt) Chapel in Makati and formerly parish priest of Sta. Maria Gorreti Parish in Manila.
Filipino Sunday Mass
Aside from Misyong Pilipino, one of the highlights of our visit was attending Filipino Sunday Mass at the Abu Dhabi Cathedral—the St Joseph Cathedral.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is the seat of the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia covers the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is one of the five Catholic churches in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The others are St. Paul's Church in Musaffah, St. Mary's Church in Al Ain, St.Francis Church in the Abrahamic Family House in Saadiyat Island, and St. John the Baptist Church in Ruwais.
Masses are conducted in various languages, including Filipino (Tagalog). There are three venues for the 12:00 noon mass for Filipinos alone. The main mass is held at St. Therese Church but the overflow of mass goers are directed to St. Joseph’s Cathedral and even another events hall of the cathedral.
The 2 venues—St. Joseph’s Cathedral and events hall—joins the mass via huge monitors at the said venues. And this happens every Sunday!
It is safe to say that the Filipino Mass on Sundays are attended by around 8,000 to 10,000 Filipinos. Oh, truly a sight to behold and a testament that our faith is alive even on unseen paths!
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
if it is serving, then serve;
if it is teaching, then teach;
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;
if it is giving, then give generously;
if it is to lead, do it diligently;
if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Romans 12: 6-8
Kababayans
Another remarkable story that we saw first-hand how our kababayans exhibit hospitality and exert efforts to bring about a celebration of faith. They are a great example of what a good steward is—sharing their time, talent and treasure.
Though with different skills and talents, they are all aligned with the same vision of bringing Christ to every Filipino. No one even frowns, just all smiles while juggling their daily jobs and their mission.
Our kababayans are a great part why the Church is alive in Abu Dhabi.
They are the reason why every week, when one of them feels troubled, they are there to embrace them, to uplift and pray for them.
They are the reason why most of our kababayans seek God’s guidance because they themselves embody Christ in them.
Truly Memorable
This trip has been truly memorable for all of us, one that will be forever etched in our hearts.
Going to Abu Dhabi for our Lakbites shoot was a risk and a challenge. Even if it is now an “open city”, there were still restrictions that we had to respect and follow. But that challenge quickly changed to a heartwarming experience, so much so that every single day of our shoot, we were always inspired to keep going despite the trials. We knew in our hearts that we need to keep moving forward and that nothing could stop us because the show is about inspiring others about the richness of our faith in every place, even in unseen paths.
There is hope! Inshallah (God willing).
******
Watch the 2-part Lakbites in Abu Dhabi Special of Ms. Kat Galdo Diaz this November and December 2024 on TV Maria.
TV Maria is available on:
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Lakbites (Lakbay Simbahan bite sized) is a feature and travel program, showcasing our strong Filipino Catholic faith, social services and devotion.
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