Keeping the spirit of Lent alive in the UAE

AL AIN, Abu Dhabi — Even though they are situated in a Muslim country, most of the overseas Filipino workers here are not barred from exercising their Catholic faith. Orlan Santos, who works as a clerk for Al Ain Hospital’s emergency department, is presently organizing a Visita Iglesia or a novena tour in various churches in the United Arab Emirates. “Several dozens are expected to join the Visita Iglesia," says Santos, a member of the Couples for Christ community here.

Some overseas Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates gather to offer a solemn prayer and engross in a culture kept alive within church walls during Lent. GMA News

With this tradition, Catholics in the Emirates can still offer a solemn prayer and engross in a culture kept alive within church walls. Catholic churches in the Emirates include St. Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi, St. Mary’s churches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Dubai, St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah, and St. Anthony de Padua Church in Ras al-Kaimah. Over 250,000 foreign workers in the Emirates are Catholics, representing nearly 7 percent of the country’s total population. They are largely composed of Filipinos, Indians, Americans, Lebanese, and Europeans. Santos says: “Other nationalities celebrate with us." No wonder why Catholic churches would be “filled with people" of various races, he says. This hospital staff has been in the Emirates for 20 years. He met his Filipino wife and raised their two daughters and a son here. ‘We hope our children would follow’ Santos says their children are aware of such a Catholic tradition. “We have no household help. Our children are with us wherever we go. They follow whatever we do." Every Visita Iglesia, Filipinos here are faced with dilemmas — cramped space in churches, hot climate in this country, and distance of each structure from each other. “Unlike in the Philippines, the churches here are more or less 100 kilometers apart," he says. “It is really a sacrifice even though we are traveling by bus. Still, we take this opportunity to pray the rosary while on the journey." In any case, Santos points out that there would always be an impression that Catholics do Bisita Iglesia for “tradition’s sake only." “However, it’s not always the case. I could only hope that my children would follow what they see in us, and teach this to their future kids as well," he adds. — JE, GMA News