Cardinal Tagle in Dubai: Over 30,000 attend Simbang Gabi

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on December 16, 2025. AVSA

More than 30,000 people gathered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Tuesday (December 16) as Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presided over the second night of Simbang Gabi, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. Church officials said the turnout was significantly higher than the first day of the nine-day Filipino Christmas tradition on Monday. “This is a much bigger crowd than yesterday, the first evening of the Simbang Gabi,” a church source told Expat Media. On Tuesday evening, worshippers filled not only the church grounds but also nearby parking areas. Cardinal Tagle, who currently serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican, led the Mass, which began at 8pm. During his homily, he encouraged the faithful to complete the nine-day Simbang Gabi as a meaningful expression of faith, joy, and communion, especially during the Christmas season. The beloved Filipino cardinal arrived in Dubai earlier on Tuesday afternoon and was warmly welcomed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by parish priest Fr. Lennie Connully, Fr. Leny Escalada—who oversees the Filipino community—and other Filipino priests serving the parish. Cardinal Tagle’s presence has generated strong enthusiasm among overseas Filipinos in the UAE, many of whom regard his visit as a source of spiritual strength and inspiration. He is widely respected both in the Philippines and internationally for his pastoral approach and emphasis on compassion and evangelization. Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church is held outdoors each year, with a special altar constructed to accommodate the large crowds. The evening Masses run until December 23, and organizers expect nightly attendance to exceed 20,000 people. Worshippers typically occupy the football field, basketball court, girls’ compound, and the church portico. This year’s Simbang Gabi carries the theme “Pasko sa Jubileo 2025,” in line with the Catholic Church’s upcoming Jubilee Year, highlighting 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. “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 devotees arrive hours ahead of time to secure a place. Simbang Gabi is a devotional series of Masses traditionally celebrated before Christmas and is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. While it is held at dawn in the Philippines, churches in the UAE usually celebrate Simbang Gabi in the evening to accommodate work schedules and local conditions, allowing thousands of overseas Filipinos to take part in the cherished tradition. ICA/PIA/Expat Media