Christian Cemetries at Al Jaddaf and Jebel Ali - 3/10/2009
St Mary's News Network
Most of the Christians in Dubai would be aware of, if not visited, the Christian cemeteries located in Al Jaddaf and also in Jebel Ali. These cemeteries form an essential part of our Christian heritage in Dubai mainly because some of our loved ones are laid to rest there and also because we believe in the resurrection of the body.
In 1960, a need to have a ChristianCemetery was felt and so a burial ground was initiated, under the care of the then British Royal Army and in 1970 the ground for the Cemetery at Al Jaddaf was granted by the Dubai Royal Family. Currently as the Al Jaddaf Cemetery is full and cannot accommodate any more burials, again a plot of land was donated by the Dubai Royal Family at the request of the faithful.This is located 45 km away from Dubai city and approximately 15 km from the new Jebel Ali Church.
A committee consisting of the representatives of various ChristianChurches in Dubai looks after the affairs of the cemeteries and their upkeep. This governing and administrative body also ensures the place is kept in a holy and peaceful manner.
Recently, the Christian Cemetery Committee members felt the need to refurbish the cemetery and give it a better look besides keeping it clean and tidy. However, as there is no dedicated manpower to maintain this cemetery as desired, the committee was on the look out for resources.Divine intervention arrived in the form of a team of US Navy personnel who sailed to Dubai in the Theodore Roosevelt Ship and approached the Church leaders as they were interested to do some community service.
Accordingly two groups each consisting of about 25 volunteers took up the task of cleaning up our Cemetery at Al Jaddaf on 25th and 26th January. They cleaned up individual tombs, cleared the over grown shrubs and trimmed the trees which were effecting the compound wall and the tombstones.They also cleared the debris, dry grass and leaves. We are grateful for their services.Our thanks are also due to some of our parishioners who helped by lending their tools like wheel barrows, cutters, shovels and spades to do the required work.
Subsequently another troupe of US Navy came forward and continued the task of cleaning up the Cemetery on 7th February. This time some of our parishioners volunteered to join them and a splendid job was done by the complete clean up the cemetery.
As the cleaning and upkeep is a continuous and ongoing process, our Parish Priest invited willing volunteers to come forward to form a dedicated team of volunteers to continue this work on a regular basis. The Parish Council is grateful to these 115 parishioners who will form 4 teams and will visit both the Al Jaddaf and Jebel Ali cemeteries, in rotation, every alternate Friday and render their services.
We wish these volunteers God's blessings in fulfilling their mission so that the Cemeteries can have a serene dignified look and a tranquil atmosphere.
Welcome to Fr John Van Deerlin and Fr Joseph Azzo - 3/12/2009
St Mary's News Network
St. Mary's parish is blessed to have addition of two new priests in the service of the Lord. The parishioners along with the priests of the parish joined together on Friday 30th January for a concelebrated Mass. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter introduced the new priests Rev. Fr. John Van Deerlin and Rev. Fr. Joseph Azzo OFM Cap. The Vice President of the Parish Council Aboline D'Cunha extended them a warm welcome on behalf of the parishioners and little children presented them with bouquets of flowers.
Fr. John Van Deerlin, a citizen of USA has served in the Vicariate of Arabia for the last several years, is now transferred from St Anthony of PaduaChurch in Ras Al Khaimah. He will now be based at St. Mary's Church, Dubai to serve as a Counselor for St. Mary's School as well as for the parish.
Fr. Joseph Azzo, succeeds Fr. Francois Koussaifi and hails from Lebanon. Fr. Azzo who will serve in our parish will also conduct Arabic and French services and will be responsible for various parish activities of the French and Arabic Communities.
The parishioners of St. Mary's are thankful to God for blessing this parish with these two dynamic priests and extend them warm welcome and wish them a fruitful mission in this parish.
Celebration : Marriage - 3/12/2009
St Mary's News Network
"YOU BY MY SIDE"
The Family Ministry organised an enrichment programme titled 'You by my side' for young couples married for 1 to 3 years,on Saturday, January 24.The sixteen couples who attended, were enriched by the sharing of the presenting couples and by participating in interactive activities on Intimate Communication, Continuing Commitment, Conflict Management. Sexuality and Spirituality. As the first refresher to their Marriage Preparation Course, the couples through the sharing, reflected on their sacramental marriages in the light of their journey as married couples and explored ways to strengthen their relationships by making Jesus their partner, and to grow in love so that their families will be little churches, reflecting Christ's love.
CELEBRATION OF WORLD MARRIAGE DAY
World Marriage Day was celebrated with the Wedding Anniversary Mass on February 9.This special Eucharistic celebration, now in its seventh year at St. Mary's,wove a magic of its own, radiating the love of the married couples of our parish as they renewed their marriage vows.The special liturgy, the beautifully adorned altar, the decorated pews, the strains of the choir voices in melodious harmony all reflected praise and thanksgiving to Jesus for the blessings of happy marriages and families in our parish. The entrance procession celebrated the couples married for 25 years and more, while the now-traditional felicitation of the longest married couple drew a thunderous applause in acknowledging the multitude of blessings on sacramental marriage.
A New Experience at the Jebel Ali Cemetery - 3/17/2009
St. Mary's News Network
March 13, 2009 was an exciting day for the group ofSt. Mary's volunteers who enrolled themselves forthe Christian Cemetery Cleaning Volunteers Sodality.They set on their first expedition to JebelAliCemetery, led by Rev. Fr. Peter, our Parish Priest.
The group of 42 enthusiastic parishioners including the Parish Priest gathered together in the church premises at 8:30 a.m. and after a short prayer, drove towards Jebel Ali. They spent nearly three hours picking up the weeds andstones, cleaning and clearing the areas around the tombs and disposing off the construction waste around the tombs into the Garbage skip.
Though it was a laborious task, it was not felt so, as the team worked with a spirit of service and oneness. The pleasant weather contributed positively to that experience.
This initiative taken by the leaders representing St. Mary's Church in the Christian Cemetery Committee is commendable and the service rendered by the volunteers from various communities of the Parish is praiseworthy.
Palm Sunday Celebration - 4/7/2009
St Mary's News Network
In celebrating the Palm Sunday, with the singing of "Hosanna", the congregation of St Mary's Church resounded like the crowd of people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on that first celebration.
During both children's masses, the catechism children enthusiastically participated in the opening procession waving their palm leaves.
The faithful at the other masses on Friday, Saturday and Sunday also commemorated the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, followed by the prayerful rendition of the Passion of Our Lord according to St Mark.
Children's Mass on Palm Sunday
Proccession before the Mass in Arabic
Welcome to Fr Varghese Joseph Seraphine - 4/13/2009
St Mary's News Network
On Sunday 29 March 2009 St Mary's Catholic Church welcomed Fr Varghese Joseph Seraphine to the Community of St. Mary's Parish, Dubai. Fr. Varghese Chempolly, Vice Provincial of the Capuchins introduced Fr Varghese Joseph Seraphine to the congregation at the commencement of the Holy Mass 7.30 pm. Our Parish Priest Fr. Peter welcomed Fr. Seraphine on behalf of the priests, Comboni Sisters and the parish congregation and wished him God's choicest blessings.
Born in Kerala, Fr Seraphine was ordained on 7 January 1993.After serving at the Novitiate and Alverna Ashram (Seminary) in Vyanard, he completed his B.Ed degree in Quilon while serving at St Thomas Ashram in Kavalam. For the next 9 years Fr Seraphine was appointed as a Parish Priest in the Malankara Archdiocese of Trivandrum, with the additional responsibility as the school Manager.
The parishioners of St Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai hereby extend a warm welcome to Fr Seraphine and assure him of their prayers for a successful mission in this parish.
May the Lord Bless you Dear Fr. Seraphine with good health, peace and contentment in your new mission as you experience the love and support of the congregation of St. Mary's Catholic Church Dubai.
YLP : Nurture them when Young ! - 4/18/2009
St.Mary's News Network
'Today's Youth are Tomorrow's Leaders' !
Going with this saying, the Parish Council of St Mary's Catholic Church took the initiative of molding 25 teenagers in the age group 12-15 years and helped them broaden their Public Speaking and Leadership Skills.
Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) was organized for the seventh time in St. Mary's Church with the assistance of Toastmasters Club International, a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. YLP focused on bringing out the best from the children in the art of speaking, listening, and thinking.
The training was animated by Toast Master Sasi of Star of Arabia Chapter in Dubai. A total of 8 sessions were conducted between the period 14 March to 4 April 2009.
The sessions were created specifically to develop the speaking skills, interpersonal and communication skills, listening skills and self confidence among the children who registered for the programme on a 'first come basis'. With practical demonstrations by children on using their skills in speech presentation which included the preparation, practice, body language, usage of the space available, eye-contact with the audience, vocabulary, a clear "Introduction - Body - Conclusion" of the speech, the participants learnt to be confident in addressing a gathering. They were also allowed to provide and accept encouragement and present constructive evaluation.
The grand finale proved to the parents and guests a marvelous presentation, where the children demonstrated how they had improved their skills.
In recognition of the children's efforts, prizes were given to the best prepared speaker, best evaluator and best Table Topic Speaker (as evaluated by the Area Governor Toastmaster Raut & President of 'Star of Arabia' chapter, Toastmaster Anupama). Participation certificates were given to all the new Toastmasters, our 25 young leaders!
Fr. Varghese Chempolly, Vice Provincial of the Capuchins - a Toastmaster himself attended the Opening Day session and Closing Day programme and commended the participants for their achievement through YLP.
An ex-YLP student Franklyn Paul rendered his support during the entire programme.
Through their positive feedback the parents expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Parish Council for conducting such wonderful programmes for the parishioners, especially for the teenagers and have requested them to conduct the training twice a year instead of having it annually.
Best Table Topic Speaker - Anju Jose Palatty
Best Speaker - Brandon Leo Rodrigues
Best Evaluator - Ashlyn Gail D'Souza
The organisers with animators
Dubai Celebrates 24th World Youth Day 2009 in Fujairah - 4/22/2009
St Mary's News Network
In compliance of the declaration by Pope Benedict XVI that the 24th World Youth Day at the diocesan level should be celebrated on Palm Sunday, youth from St Mary's Church Dubai went on a pilgrimage to Fujairah on Friday 3rd April 2009 (being a holiday).Eventhough the organizers anticipated 500 participants, the day saw a record 750 delegates including priests and nuns and another 100 volunteers along with delegates from Sharjah and Fujairah.In keeping up with the theme suggested by the Pope, "We have set our hope on the living God" (1 Timothy 4:10), the youth from ages 15 to 35 gathered at St Mary's School in Fujairah.
The break-up sessions consisted of Taize adorations, WYD 2008 exhibitions, Origami workshop, JAM (Jesus and Me) sessions, seminars, and movies.
All the delegates were eager to share their life experience with Jesus.The Faith sharing segment inspired the delegates to stand as Christ witness proclaiming His glory and love.
The highlight of the event was the palm procession and the Way of the Cross.Each station of the cross (enacted) was portrayed naturally, with deep emotions and solemnity.The finale was amazing and powerful in transmitting the message of the cross to everyone.
One remarkable reaction was the enthusiasm of the delegates to go for confession. In fact, most of them stayed at the confessional longer than the allocated time.
The participants commented that the WYD 2009 celebration was very refreshing and enriching for their spiritual life.The pilgrimage increased their faith and brought them closer to God. As many delegates did the faith sharing, all were able to bring positive change in their life.The participants expressed that as they recited the prayers during the live Stations of the Cross and at the Holy Mass they felt the calmness and warmth which elevated them to the scene of the first sacrifice that Jesus offered at Calvary. "It was as if Jesus, our King and Redeemer, had made a home in each of our hearts and there was this beauty and grace of knowing that Jesus was so close and we wanted to be with Him and feel His pain and love - this reflected through the whole service.Everything from the singing to the Eucharistic consecration, spoke of the fact that each one was joined in the universal hymn of love and praise to Jesus."
The organisers and the accompanying catechists expressed that in spite of having fun activities they have never seen the youth behave so well before.
WYD 2009 is another memory to cherish, to share with friends and to tell again and again.The camaraderie among the volunteers was beyond expectation and the response of the delegates overwhelming.Everyone was eager to extend a helping hand and most of all, ready to work again for the next event.
The Working Team consisted of various youth groups: Jesus Youth, Konkan Yuva, Singles for Christ, Youth of El Shaddai, FILCOM Youth, JOC Dubai (Arabic Community), New Life Youth Choir, Come Alive Youth and the parish catechists.
The youth expressed their appreciation to our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter for his trust and guidance; to Rev. Fr. Freddy, Rev. Fr. Varghese, Rev Fr. Stanley, Rev. Fr. Raj and Rev Fr Franklin for their support, participation and prayers.
Easter Triduum at St Mary's Dubai - 4/26/2009
St Mary's Catholic Church Dubai News Network
With the celebration of Palm Sunday the Catholic Church moved into the Holy Week celebrations, continuing with Maundy Thursday commemorating the Eucharist; Good Friday liturgy celebrating the suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus for the forgiveness of all the sins of the entire mankind, and then concluding with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and holy masses on Easter Sunday celebrating the glorious resurrection of our Saviour from the dead.Thus as we focused on the central mysteries of our faith, we thanked God for all His graces and gifts that He is pouring on us through the intercession of Jesus.
In his traditional Easter blessing in St Peter's Square, the leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics - Pope Benedict XVI - called for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East and Africa.
The congregation at St. Mary's in Dubai echoed similar sentiments and prayed that each of us become heralds of the Good News of Jesus Christ.Rev. Fr. Varghese in his homily during the Easter Vigil reminded us not to forget the first two words of Jesus Christ, on the cross, before he died ... 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' and 'This day you shall be with me in paradise'.Even if we go far away from God, we have hope because Jesus has assured us of his love, mercy, forgiveness and a place in his kingdom.
As thousands of people packed in the church, halls and compound for numerous services on all four days, it was a testament to the strong faith of our congregation.
Easter is spring, the beginning of new life.Let us take home with us, the Easter message from Pope Benedict XVI that "the gravitational pull of love is stronger than that of hatred; the force of gravity of life is stronger than that of death."
Here is a glimpse of the celebration at St Mary's Catholic Church to reminiscence this liturgical celebration.
LITURGY OF MAUNDY THURSDAY
The altar servers and the religious lead the procession
Eucharistic Ministers proceed in procession
The celebrants in procession to the altar
"Serve each other, as I have served you" - the washing of the feet
Washing of the feet: the symbol of Christian humility and love
The blessed bread being distributed to the 'Apostles'
The celebrants seek the blessings on the new Lay Ministers
Commissioning of the new Lay Ministers
The new Lay Ministers are ready to serve
The new Lay Ministers in the service of our Lord
The Altar of Repose
Holy Eucharist taken to the Altar of Repose
LITURGY OF GOOD FRIDAY
Stations of the Cross
Time to reflect on the great sacrifice of our Saviour.....
....who suffered and died for the forgiveness of our sins
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