Thousands of Roman Catholics will now have easier access to weekly services after Abu Dhabi inaugurated its second Catholic church — St Paul’s in Mussaffah.
Updated: June 12, 2015, 12:00 AM
St Paul’s Church Abu Dhabi - in pictures
The opening of St Paul’s Church, in Mussaffah, highlights the religious tolerance of the country’s leaders, said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, who attended the opening. AFP Photo
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Youth, Culture and Community Development, is joined by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, left, and Bishop Paul Hinder, right, at the inauguration and blessing of St Peter’s Church in Mussaffah on Thursday. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
St Paul’s Church, part of the Apostolic of Southern Arabia, expects to serve about 60,000 to 70,000 Catholics, many of whom live in labour camps. At full capacity it can accommodate 1,200. ona Al Marzooqi / The National
Sheikh Nahyan said the church ‘highlights UAE leaders’ religious tolerance’. ona Al Marzooqi / The National
The UAE is home to about 900,000 Catholics. For a number of years, roughly 25,000 Catholics who live in Mussaffah, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Khalifa City and other areas had to travel for about 25 kilometres to worship at St Joseph’s. ona Al Marzooqi / The National
Sheikh Nahyan with Cardinal Parolin. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
The parish priest, Father Ani Xavier, will be joined by assistant priests Father Matthew Fernandes and Father Ashok Gonzalves. ona Al Marzooqi / The National