12,000 Filipinos gather for 'simbang gabi' in Abu Dhabi

Around 12,000 Filipino devotees gathered at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the first day of Simbang Gabi (night Mass) on 15 December.
Photo from Rommel Pangilinan/ Facebook

Around 12,000 Filipino devotees gathered at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the first day of Simbang Gabi (night Mass) on 15 December.
Photo from Rommel Pangilinan/ Facebook

The band said the overwhelming demand ultimately convinced them to mount another performance, especially for fans who…

Leachon cited the Japanese practice of hara hachi bu — stopping eating when about 80 percent full — as an example of…

Silent Sanctuary is stepping into a landmark moment in their career as overwhelming fan demand turned their upcoming…

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) launched a series of healthcare and employment initiatives Tuesday aimed at…

Overseas Filipino investors are particularly interested in sectors such as healthcare, senior care, technology, the…

Photo from Rommel Pangilinan
Photo from Rommel Pangilinan
Photo from Rommel Pangilinan
Photo from Rommel Pangilinan
Around 12,000 Filipino devotees gathered at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the first day of Simbang Gabi (night Mass) on 15 December.
The mass, which was ony broadcasted live online, was led by OFM Cap., at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Fr. Troy delos Santos.
Rommel Pangilinan, director of the Katolikong Pinoy sa Abu Dhabi Facebook page, shared that the celebration carried the theme “Liwanag ng Pasko” (Light of Christmas).
He added that they are expecting more attendees for Wednesday’s Mass, which will be led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization in Vatican.
Cardinal Tagle was warmly welcomed by the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and presided over the second night of Simbang Gabi on 16 December at St. Mary’s Church in Abu Dhabi.
“Christmas is not something we do for God; rather, God does something extraordinary for us. It is not we who reach God, but God who seeks us, descends from heaven, humbles Himself, and comes to dwell among us,” led by Apostolic Vicar Bishop Paolo Martinelli said.