Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (right) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai on December 16, 2025. SUPPLIED

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle arrived in Dubai on Tuesday (December 16) to lead the celebration of Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Cardinal Tagle is scheduled to preside over the Simbang Gabi Mass at 8pm on Tuesday, marking the second day of the nine-day Filipino Christmas tradition. Upon his arrival at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday afternoon, he was warmly welcomed by parish priest Fr. Lennie Connully, Fr. Leny Escalada, who is in charge of the Filipino community, and other Filipino priests serving the parish. Currently serving as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican, Cardinal Tagle is one of the most respected Filipino figures in the global Catholic Church. His visit has drawn excitement among overseas Filipinos, many of whom see his presence as a source of spiritual encouragement, especially during the Christmas season. Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church is held outdoors, with a special altar constructed each year to accommodate the large number of worshippers. The nine-day series of evening masses runs until December 23, and organizers expect crowds of more than 20,000 people nightly. Churchgoers typically fill the football field, basketball court, girls’ compound, and the church portico. This year’s Simbang Gabi carries the theme “Pasko sa Jubileo 2025,” reflecting the Catholic Church’s upcoming Jubilee Year and emphasizing renewal, gratitude, and hope. The first day of Simbang Gabi on Monday was presided over by Fr. Leny Escalada and drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, according to church officials. “The turnout on the first day already shows how deeply Simbang Gabi is cherished by the Filipino community here,” church sources said, noting that many worshippers arrive hours early to secure a place. Simbang Gabi, a devotional series of masses traditionally held before Christmas, is widely observed by Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad. While the masses are celebrated at dawn in the Philippines, Catholic churches in the UAE usually hold them in the evening to accommodate work schedules and local conditions. ICA/Expat Media Update:
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