Cardinal Tagle visits the UAE for Simbang Gabi

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was in the UAE where he led the celebration of Simbang Gabi masses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that were attended by a big crowd.

The cardinal led the mass in his capacity as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for the First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches.

He was in the UAE on a pastoral visit to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Cardinal Tagle started his homily in Dubai urging the faithful to complete the nine Simbang Gabi, also called Misa de Gallo.

He said the dawn masses were nine days – from Dec. 16 to 24 – because Mary carried Jesus in her womb for nine months, each day representing one month.

He also said Jesus was born to a family with descendants that included patriarchs and kings.

“Niyakap ni Hesus ang dangal ng mga patriarcha pati ang kanilang kahinaan. Niyakap ni Hesus ang dangal ng mga hari pati ang kanilang pagkukulang. Niyakap ni Hesus ang pagiging wala,” he said.

(Jesus embraced the honor of the patriarchs including their weaknesses. Jesus embraced the honor of the kings, including their shortcomings. Jesus embraced being unknown.)

“Bakit malapit si Hesus sa mga makasalanan, dahil sa kanyang mga ninuno maraming makasalanan,” the cardinal added.

(Why is Jesus close to the sinners, because there are sinners among his ancestors)

“We are all broken sinners, loved by God.”

In Dubai, it was estimated that some 30,000 people trooped to the St. Mary’s  Catholic Church in Oud Metha. Some arriving from nearby Northern Emirates of Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah.

in his homily delivered in Abu Dhabi, he said “Just like Joseph, the way to be prepared for Christmas is faithful obedience. When we hear God's call, we act.”

The same was in Abu Dhabi’s St. Joseph Cathedral where churchgoers started filling up the grounds by 2pm. Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver was also present.

Cardinal Tagle was in the UAE Dec. 16 to 18, 2025.

During his stay, the cardinal also held talks with leaders of the Catholic church on both emirates for a deeper understanding of the realities and pastoral needs in the region. — BAP, GMA Integrated News