continuation....
After a couple of minutes checking out and taking pictures of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali we proceeded to our next church destination in downtown Dubai.
Next church: The St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai
The St. Mary's Catholic Church was build around middle 60's here in UAE. His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E donated land in 1966 to build a Church. Rev. Fr. Eusebius Daveri and his team pioneered this project. His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurated St. Mary's Catholic Church on 7th April 1967.
Today in this very place stands a magnificent new church that has been designed to accommodate more than 1700 worshipers at each service. Under the guidance of His Excellency Most. Rev. Bishop Bernard Gremoli, Rev. Fr. Daniel Cerofolini OFM. Cap, Fr. Michael Cardoz and their team pioneered this project. This church was inaugurated on 3rd November 1989.
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| Inside the compound facing the main entrance to Church |
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| The Grotto |
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| The sign at the entrance of the Church compound |
We did the 5th and 6th station of the cross here and contemplate the agony and remembering the painful journey of Christ towards crucifixion. After we finished pray we checked the church again but we can't go inside as it was already overcrowded with people. Makeshift tents were installed to shed the faithfuls from heat and ventilation and fan was also provided. Even with the great scourging heat of the sun churchgoers were flowing to join the lenten mass.
The group hit the road again with a little travel going to the next emirate, to the next church destination.
Next Church: St. Michael's Church, Sharjah
According to their website (please click the link) the church history was way back from the year 1971.
"The old St. Michael’s Church was founded in 1971 by Fr. Barnabas as a little chapel close to the British Air force base. In 1973 Fr. Barnabas moved into the old St. Michael’s Church which was then the British officers’ mess. The kitchen area was converted into the Parish house.
Father Barnabas was succeeded by Fathers Attilio, Edmund, Antonino, Felicio, Godwin and Angelo. These Pastors worked with dedication and zeal. As a result the flock continued to grow rapidly. Inspite of the fact, that each of these priests expanded and embellished the converted church, there was still a lack of place to accommodate the parishioners.
Under the guidance and support of Bishop Bernard Gremoli the new church was built by Fr. Angelo Fiumicelli and his dedicated team. The new St. Michael’s Church was consecrated on 02nd October 1997 by Cardinal Artinze from the Vatican with Fr. Angelo as the first Parish Priest."
- Fr. Ani Xavier Ofm. Cap.
Parish Priest
St. Michael’s Church, Sharjah
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| This is what you see upon entering the Church compound |
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| The Church amidst the sea of people during Good Friday |
We did the 7th and 8th station of the cross on this church and proceeded to the next church of destination. It's only a few minutes that we were allowed to stay as we need to follow the time frame we have in out itinerary but despite of that seeing this churches for the first time still breathtaking to us, not from it's design, nor from how it looks but by the mere presence of the church on this country is simply marvelous.
... next our long travel to Ras Al Khaimah to visit St. Anthony de Padua Church.
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