When you hear the term, “Catholic Pilgrimage”, you probably
think of places like the Holy Land and Rome. While Dubai may be last on your list,
it is actually becoming a popular destination for Catholic Pilgrims!
Dubai is home to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which is one of
the largest (if not the largest) Parish in the world, with an
estimated 400,000 parishioners. The parishioners are very active Catholics who
attend Mass regularly, leading to standing room only - especially over the
weekend. The Church was designed to accommodate more than 2,000 worshipers at
each service, with Masses being celebrated in nine (9) languages.
In 1966, St. Mary’s Catholic Church was founded by Sheikh
Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United
Arab Emirates, who donated the land in the center or Dubai for the Church to be
built upon. Fr. Eusebio Daveri built the original Church, and dedicated
it to Our Lady of the Assumption. In 1988, the original building was
demolished, and a larger Church was built in its place to accommodate the
growing number of Catholic patrons.
In addition to this astonishing Church, and Catholic
community, Dubai has much more to offer traveling Pilgrims. What is now one of
the world’s most spectacular and lively metropolises, was built from a small
fishing village at the Dubai Creek. With its striking architecture,
beautiful beaches, and extravagant culture, Dubai impresses all who visit!
On our tour, Pilgrims will have the opportunity to take
water taxis, known as “Abras”, to cross the Dubai creek, and visit the Dubai
Museum. You will also visit Al Fahidi Fortress, and even climb the Burj
Khalifa, the tallest building in the world - standing at 2,722 feet! Also, near
Dubai is the exciting Desert Safari where our pilgrims can try sand boarding,
camel riding, Henna designs, and watch traditional belly dancing by campfire
light.
Our Pilgrims will also visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the
Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel. The Jebel Ali Port is the biggest
man-made post in the world, and is a spectacle to behold. Visit the Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque - one of the largest Mosques in the world. We also recommend a
drive through the beautiful Corinche, it is a must!
A great way to see Dubai is to make a stop there on your way
to, or returning home, from another Pilgrimage, perhaps to the Holy Land,
Jordan or Greece? Just a few days in this amazing place is all you need to
immerse yourself in this unique culture, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Learn more about our available pre or post tour to Dubai here!