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.