Dubai: A message of peace, love and mercy is being sent out of St Mary’s Church Dubai ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
Parishioners are being enthused by a spirit of giving and kindness following Pope Francis’ announcement that the year starting from December 8 is the year of mercy.
“This year the celebration is all about mercy and love. Jesus came to us as mercy and love. Pope Francis has declared this year, beginning December 8 till November 20, 2016 will be the year of mercy,” Father Chito Bartolo, a priest at St. Mary’s Church Dubai told Gulf News on Tuesday.
Though, the real celebrations begin on the eve of December 24, the church is witnessing thousands of worshippers who gather for a traditional nine-day novena prayer that will last until Wednesday.
Fr. Chito Bartolo: People should have mercy on each other, and that mercy -- that emotion -- should translate into a concrete and positive action. (Photo by Abdel-Krim Kallouche)
A unique Filipino tradition called "Simbang Gabi", usually celeberated at dawn, the festival involves prayers for nine consecutive days seeking special blessings. In Dubai, it is celeberated early evenings in the run-up to Christmas Eve.
“In this celebration, people gather to praise the God and to thank the Lord for all the blessings received for the entire year. One of our strong messages right now is that apart from seeking God’s mercy, people should have mercy on each other, and that mercy -- that emotion -- should now translate into a concrete and positive action,” added Father Bartolo.
He explained that this concrete action could be reaching out to those who are in dire need, irrespective of their race or creed.
“As a concrete expression, we can be an instrument of peace by being a loving person and a peace-loving community,” he said.
The nine-day observation includes listening to the Bible readings and preaching done by the priest to put the meaning of the Bible into a concrete experience of the people.
Carols with novena : There's also lots of singing of Christmas songs (Photo: Abdel-Krim Kallouche)
The celebrations also include a unique Catholic expression, commemorating the last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
The novena tradition has been followed by the Filipino community for more than 500 years, as a way for the people, mostly farmers to offer their thanks for the blessings, he said.
“The Filipino expatriate community has carried this tradition wherever they have gone. It also helps them bring together as a community and reach out for each other,” said Catherine Aggarao, a community worker at St. Mary’s Church.
Going with the theme of mercy and peace this year, she said that the church has launched a special fund drive, where the parishioners have the opportunity to contribute to the fund in many ways like cash or kind.
“All parishioners are encouraged to join the fund drive and contribute to make a difference to the lives of others who are in need. The fund goes out to pay hospital bills of those who can’t afford, while also facilitating legal assistance to those who need apart from other charity works,” said Aggarao.
Though there are prayers on their lips, the atmosphere is far from sombre.
In fact, the mood is full of fun and excitement as worshippers begin to trickle in as early as 5pm every evening and by 8pm the St. Mary’s parish is a lake of humanity.
Simbang Gabi crowd: A view of mass-goers at St. Mary's Church in Dubai in the run-up to Christmas (Photo courtesy: Jayson Quilala)
“It is a time for celebrations as well as for prayers and the mood is jovial. I love the atmosphere in the church ahead of Christmas. It is filled with expectation and anticipation,” said Elisa Jacob, an Indian expat.
She added: “Though, mostly Filipinos observe the novena feast, I am eager to join them every year.”
