Abu Dhabi : Sheikh Nahyan Inaugurates New St Joseph's Church


by Alex Lewis / Ranjan
Daijiworld Media Network

Abu Dhabi, Oct 13: The newly constructed St Joseph’s Parish Centre was inaugurated by HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development at a ceremony held on October 9 at 7.30 pm. The event was also attended by H E Ali Al Hashimi, Religious Consellor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and a few other government officials of Abu Dhabi.

At the invitation of H E Bishop Paul Hinder (OFM Cap), Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, present on the occasion were HE Archbishop Petar Rajic, Apostolic Nuncio to the Arabian Peninsula and HE Bishop Camillo Ballin, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. Also present were Fr Savarimuthu, parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Abu Dhabi, all the assitant priests and a host of priests from various parishes of the United Arab Emirates.
























































 

The dignitaries arrived at the venue at 7.30 pm. The compere, Roydon D'mello welcomed the congregation present and invited Chief Guest, HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan to open the centre by cutting the red ribbon at the main door. Upon declaring open the new structure, the guests walked into the Parish Hall along with the representatives of the Consultant and Contracting firms who were instrumental in erecting the remarkable new building as the Choir sang ‘This is the day that the Lord has made.’

John Conrad, the vice president of the Parish Council invited the guests and the congregation saying this is a ‘Dream come true’ venture of many parishioners. He also attributed the success of the event amid laud applauds from the congregation to the late president HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was the founder of this dream of the Catholic faithful and current president HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who supported the venture.

Mementos were then given to HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and HE Ali Al Hashimi by Bishop Paul Hinder. Bouquets were also presented to all dignitaries. Addressing the guests, Bishop Paul Hinder expressed his gratitude to the president of UAE, all the government officials, Municipal authorities for granting necessary permission and ensuring that the venture reached its completion without any hindrance.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said that he is glad to have the Cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia at Abu Dhabi. He also elaborated the policy of the UAE to respect the expatriate communities of different faith. He encouraged the Catholic community to continue to support the UAE in its effort to build a global nation living in harmony while achieving economic growth.

Archbishop Petar Rajic presented mementos to the representatives of the Consultant, Suhail and the contractor, Hakim Saadi.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Savarimuthu expressed his special thanks to the bishop, Paul Hinder for all the support extended to this project. He also thanked the members of the construction committee for their commitment and whole hearted support. He made a special mention of the enormous contribution of Fr Eugene Mattioli, who served the Abu Dhabi parish for seventeen and a half years to build a strong Catholic community.

The dignitaries then were taken for a tour of the new building as the parishioners continued exchanging greetings on the occasion as the choir sang, ‘Give thanks to the Holy One.’ This day will be written in the history of Catholic faith of the Arabian Peninsula with golden letters as a remarkable landmark achieved both in terms of faith and fraternity of various religions.

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Comment on this article

  • ashwin rasquinha, bajjodi,mangalore

    Sat, Oct 18 2014

    i am happy to see the new church integrated by sheak nayan to be the happy news.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Irnis & Jane Furtado, Kallianpur/Mumbai

    Tue, Oct 14 2014

    Congratulation to all the parishioners of Abu Dhabi.Amazing photographs.We miss St.Joseph Church and beautiful memories of Abu Dhabi.
    May God bless you all.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Max and Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore, Houston/Dallas, Texas

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    The Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi has proved once again their kind and noble thought in giving back to the people their legitimate rights of faith regardless of their national origins or professional backgrounds or their individual faith. It's all dedication of love and respect to mankind that will generate greater loyalty from people who come from a distant land in order to make a career and a peaceful co-existence.

    May the goodwill and charity continue to prevail, and may Abu Dhabi be blessed to enjoy a life of mutual solidarity and respect from people of all nations and all faiths that flock into their country for a purpose that is mutual and long lasting.

    Faith is a gift from God, and when faith is recognized as an individual gift embedded into our individual lives, mutual respect regardless of our nationalities and religions is a blessing that will continue to help Abu Dhabi to move forward with lot of dignity and honor as a Global society with liberty and justice for all.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Umesh Salian, Udupi/Dubai

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Congratulations. People of all faiths and religions fell MORE safe in UAE than in India for sure. The work is good, its a 5 day week, salary is good, living conditions are good and everything is available. What else you need?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Beautiful pictures of the Church.

    Among the Gulf countries, (Oman-Bahrain and Qatar, and Kuwait to a certain degree are open-minded) the most open-minded country respecting other religions, especially the Christian community is U.A.E. The great ruler of Sharjah when visited Armenia saw a dilapidated Christian monastery of greater historical importance, but they had no money to rebuild that. A great percentage of people working in Sharjah are of the Armenian origin. So, the great ruler of Sharjah donated millions to reconstruct that.

    GOD'S SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE GOING BE UPON U.A.E IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

    DisAgree Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Henry Lewis, Sastan/Kuwait

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    It is pleasing to know that New parish hall is ready congrats to all parishioners of Abudhabi. May God bless all

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alfred D'souza, Bendur / Ex Dubai

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    If there is Tolerance and co-existence of Faiths on display, it is in the most beautiful place called UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. The Rulers and the Nationals of this country have supported other faiths without fear. I have witnessed this in my 38 years of working and staying in the UAE. God bless this country immensely. I miss this place. Congratulations to the Catholics of UAE and in particular, Abu Dhabi.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence, Mangalore/ Abu Dhabi

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Congrates to all parishioners of Abu Dhabi for the beautiful New St. Joseph Church. One more new church in mussafah near Abu Dhabi also under construction, also they have a plan to build a church in Ruwais.
    Religious tolerance in the UAE has been hailed by Non Muslims. They also recovered a 1,400-year-old monastery in the United Arab Emirates that is the only pre-Islamic Christian site in the region has opened to the public.
    The site at Sir Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi dates back to around 600AD. It was built by a community of 30 to 40 monks and is understood to have been established by pilgrims travelling from India.
    The remains, which also include a church, chapel and tower, were unearthed in 1992 during an archaeological study.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alban D Souza, Udyavara (Bajjodi) Mumbai Doha Qatar

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Congratulations to Bishops and all those parishioners helped to build such a great church. It is really astonishing to see Arab leaders along with the church authorities to inaugurate newly built St. Joseph's church. Marvelous building to pray and worship. This is shows the great spirit hospitality towards each other from great Arab Leaders. Unity in diversity which brings beauty to live on this planet. This is one good example and model that one should respect every religion and live with that and create a healthy atmosphere. UAE is a model place for the world to live unity in Diversity. Great nation. We salute and wish prosperity and wealth good health to the rulers and people of UAE.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fayaz Sheikh, Mangalore/Kwt.

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Wow, what a beautiful church,congrats to all the Christian community.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Brahmavar

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    By religious tolerance once again it is proved UAE is the most peaceful country in the World. May God bless abundantly the rulers and people of UAE.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher with Love, Kuwait/Mumbai/Neeruda

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    WoW, Beautiful church, May the Almighty GOD bless Sheikh, his people and the country with lots of Love and Grace. AMEN.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • CYRIL MASCARENHAS, KIREM/MIRA ROAD/DUBAI

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    REALLY ONE OF THE SUPERB CHURCH..CANT BELIEVE..WE SHOULD GRATEFUL TO LATE PRESIDENT HH SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN WHO WAS THE FOUNDER OF THIS CHURCH,AND ALSO THANKFUL TO PRESENT PRESIDENT SHEIKH KHALIFA AND ALL OTHER DONORS WHO HELPED TO BUILT THIS ST.JOSEPH CHURCH AT ABU DHABI,GOD MAY SHOWERS HIS BLESSINGS ON THEM.
    ALSO THANKFUL TO DAIJI NET WORK GIVING US THIS BEAUTIFUL COVERAGE.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Agee, Indian - UAE

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Beautiful

    DisAgree [4] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Praveen Castelino, Pernal / Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Newly constructed St Joseph’s Parish Centre and St Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi has also a Mosque very close(just a few meters away which can be also seen in some pics. above) to the church establishment which is unique and both communities have maintained dignity and brotherhood of two different communities having faith in Quran(Allah) and Bible(Jusus Christ)in their worship.

    Love and Respect not just by words but also in their deeds is an example here when Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said that he is glad to have the Cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia at Abu Dhabi. He also elaborated the policy of the UAE to respect the expatriate communities of different faith.

    He also encouraged the Catholic community to continue to support the UAE in its effort to build a "Global Nation" living in harmony while achieving economic growth.

    Do we Indians have to learn a great lesson from the Arabs today when they are talking about Love,Respect & Harmony while achieving economic growth!!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Congratulations Dear christian brothers for having one more new beautiful Church in Abudhabi. Hope local authorities will give permission for much awaited Hindu Temple, some ware in Abudhabi.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    The rulers of some Arab countries are always positive when it comes to faith and its free expressions. Very soon Bahrain will be having a new church, which will be built on 9,000sqm stretch of land donated by His Majesty King Hamad. Hindus, Muslim, Jews, Christians everyone lives in peace...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • S. Shetty, Udupi / Muscat

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Christians, Muslims & Jews are believes they are generation of Adam & Evva - Than of course they all are from one family........ Respect each other there is Peace & Love.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [130] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    World admires UAE and salutes its leadership.
    wonder when hindus get united and have a decent place to worship in the UAE

    DisAgree [8] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, Paladka

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Just awesome.After looking at the pictures i feel we Christians cannot ask anything more here in UAE. What a support from Royal family and UAE Government towards this new Church. May God bless them abundantly for allowing freedom of religion i Arab country like UAE. They sat and posed with our priests and Bishop which shows their love and respect.
    Very beautiful church indeed.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    My friend, every Christian living in the U.A.E. from over 200 countries of the world will have to pray for their country of adoption because the expatriates are enjoying greater freedom and fun in life which is a rare blessing of life. Pray for the great rulers and the country every day.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Priya Das, Abu Dhabi / Mumbai

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Dream come true venture of many parishioners - New St Joseph's Church - St Joseph’s Parish Centre, in Abu Dhabi, was inaugurated by HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, at a ceremony held on October 9 at 7.30 pm. The event was also attended by H E Ali Al Hashimi, Religious Consellor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and a few other government officials of Abu Dhabi. At the invitation of H E Bishop Paul Hinder (OFM Cap), Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, present on the occasion were HE Archbishop Petar Rajic, Apostolic Nuncio to the Arabian Peninsula and HE Bishop Camillo Ballin, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. Also present were Fr Savarimuthu, parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Abu Dhabi, all the assitant priests and a host of priests from various parishes of the United Arab Emirates. Truely this day will be written in the history of Catholic faith of the Arabian Peninsula with golden letters as a remarkable landmark achieved both in terms of faith and fraternity of various religions.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ali, mangalore

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    Sheikh Inaugurate the church .Our Prophet Teach us to Respect all the religions. Congrats all my Catholic brothers in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately our PM always acting like a secular man doesn't have courtesy to wish on EID.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vijay, Mangalore

    Mon, Oct 13 2014

    great to see arab leaders inaugurate a church.unity in diversity. there is no better thing than respecting every religion to promote unity and no wars.lets make this world a better place to live.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [134] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Abu Dhabi : Sheikh Nahyan Inaugurates New St Joseph's Church



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