Abu Dhabi: A second Catholic church in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on Thursday evening in the presence of Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development; Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and Bishop Paul Hinder, the apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia.
On the occasion, sentiments were echoed by His Excellency Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development, when he praised the virtuous leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed who guided the United Arab Emirates in the vision of becoming a tolerant, respectful and harmonious society, devoted to dialogue across nations, cultures and religious boundaries.
He quoted the UAE President His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration that the country has relied and will continue to rely on its people for its prosperity and diversity, and as such his firm hope that the faithful of St. Paul’s congregation along with other people who live and work in the United Arab Emirates would bring unique identities and commitments to the cosmopolitan society of the UAE.
With most labour accommodations now being in Musaffah and with more people living in the adjacent areas of Mohammed bin Zayed and Khalifa cities, the new St. Paul church is believed to be a blessing for Catholics on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.
“Our leadership knows its true wealth and accepts the obligation to respect and understand the many religious beliefs of the people living in this country. I believe that each of you can provide evidence that the leaders of the UAE are fulfilling that obligation,” said Shaikh Nahyan, during the inauguration ceremony.
Bishop Paul Hinder, the Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia took the opportunity to thank the President of the country and Ruler of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE government for their generosity and graciousness in granting the land and necessary permits and for the stability, security and peace enjoyed in the country.
The UAE currently has 900,000 Catholics living in the country and now has eight churches across the Emirates, including the recently inaugurated St. Paul’s church. The Bishop has shared his hopes for the opening of new churches in the eastern suburbs and the western region of Abu Dhabi Emirate as well.
Bishop Hinder said: “Wealth is only a blessing when it is administered with a high sense of responsibility by well qualified and dedicated leaders. The Catholic Church is not simply a praying community but forms its followers in respect for life, care for the environment, honesty and dedication, under the wise guidance of Pope Francis, our spiritual head. Working together in mutual respect we can all contribute to the prosperity and peace of the country.”
About St. Paul’s Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Catholic Church has been constructed on land that was donated by the Abu Dhabi government and spans 4,560 sq meters. The church which can accommodate 1200 devotees also includes within its premises, a three-storey building that houses a multi-purpose hall, residence for priests, staff and meeting rooms.
The church is expected to serve approximately 60,000 to 70,000 faithful many of whom live in the labour camps in the surrounding area.
Along with daily services in English, the church will also have regular services in Arabic, Konkani, Malayalam, Tagalog and Tamil to cater to the faithful who reside in the area
