This is the fourth and final article in a series that offers a snapshot on attending Mass in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest in the United Arab Emirates, and the city of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital of the nation. A review of the Cathedral, Abrahamic Family House and St. Paul’s in Musaffah can be found in articles 1, 2 and 3.
September 15, 2025 (Edward J. Barr) The oasis city of Al Ain straddles the border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Blessed with the gift of water, the city has been a coveted possession of the several Bedouin tribes that have historically inhabited the area. Conflict stretched into the modern era, with Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) vying for control of Al Ain. The result is half of the oasis is in the UAE and the other half (which retains the historic name of Al Buriami) in Oman.
Al Ain is the third largest city in the UAE (behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi city). St. Mary’s is in the industrial quarter of the city, like St. Paul’s in the Mussafah sector of Abu Dhabi. However, St. Mary’s is on the outer edge of the sector; it is near the city center and easy to locate. The church structure stands behind high walls, a common architectural feature in the UAE. Inside the main gate, the visitor is within twenty feet of a staircase leading to the main entrance of the Church. To the left is a grotto statue of the Blessed Mother, a common feature of Catholic churches in the Emirate. This is of special significance as St. Mary’s is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. To the right of the entrance is a courtyard and a small gift shop. Although the Church blends in with the industrial nature of the neighborhood from outside, inside it offers a unique respite from the world. Like the oasis city where it is situated, St. Mary’s offers life-giving nourishment to its parishioners though the sacraments and an ample number of ministries.
St. Mary’s parish is relatively new, having been inaugurated on December 7, 2009, and consecrated the next day by the then Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Bishop Paul Hinder, OFM Cap. The church interior is brightened by the sun entering eight floor-to-ceiling-stained glass windows. They are most impressive. Unique chandelier lights augment the natural brightness. Interestingly, the chandeliers don’t seem out of place for a church built in an industrial district. As with all parishes in the Emirate, the interior is clean and organized.
While the paster is a Capuchin, the assistant priest is from the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria. He is the only non-Franciscan priest I have seen in the UAE. Assisting at Mass was the only deacon listed on the official webpages of the Churches in the emirate. Fr. Ronelo R. Resco, MSP, presided at the Mass I attended. He sang most of the liturgy, a practice embraced by most clergy in the diocese. Yet the experience was uplifting, almost exhilarating. Father Resco has a heavenly voice and when he sings, he never rushes the prayers. His slow cadence emphasizes the transcendence of what is happening during Holy Mass. Closing my eyes, it felt as if he were joined by the angels in singing praise to God.
The laity followed most of the traditions of the other churches in Abu Dhabi. The men who were extraordinary ministers of holy communion wore black pants and white shirts, while the women wore white robes. Both men and women wear a white two-shoulder sash with a gold embroidered chalice and cross in the middle. The altar servers are dressed in the traditional diocesan red cassock and are exact in their movements.
Mass is offered in 8 different languages, though Mass is not said in every language every week. The pews at the morning Mass were of quite full. As in the other churches in the Emirate there are a good number of active ministries to support the parishioners’ spiritual growth. Parishioners travel throughout the UAE to attend programs sponsored by the diocese. Since St. Mary’s is not far from the Cathedral they are visited periodically by the bishop; a true gift as the bishop has three countries in his diocese to shepherd.
Despite a flock of poor foreigners living and working in a Muslim land, the Church is alive and well in Abu Dhabi. Much of the credit must go to the Franciscans, from the bishop to the individual priests. Their religious unity brings unity to the liturgy. There is a noticeably similar experience at all the Masses in the diocese. All the laity were well trained, serious, and reverent, from the altar servers to the extraordinary ministers of holy communion. Masses were more formal and reverent than the average Novus Ordo Mass in the US. The reverence could be further enhanced by introducing Gregorian Chant, organs, and the use of Latin (per Sacrosanctum Concilium). Another option would be to make wider use of the Tridentine Mass; this would bring all members of the community together to worship in our sacred language of Latin, rather than separating parishioners into various language groups.
At every parish I visited Masses were well attended, with the laity exhibiting an endearing heartfelt faith. The enthusiasm and reverence they exhibited in the prayer responses and hymns was motivating and inspiring. I felt at home immediately and looked forward to worshiping the Lord with my new brothers and sisters. Knowing that most of them are struggling to make ends meet brought my heart closer to theirs. I prayed fervently for them during the Confiteor.
In the US I frequently arrive early to Mass and sit near the aisle. It makes it easier to get up for communion and to depart after the Mass. In Abu Dhabi I would arrive early but sit in the middle of the row. I would look around and smile as Indians, Filipinos, and a variety of Catholics from around the world gradually filled my row, until both my shoulders touched those of my neighbors. Only then was our pew complete. At the sign of peace, we all held our hands in prayer and bowed to our neighbors. At the final blessing, the congregation bowed with the priest when he venerates the altar prior to departing. United in the Eucharist, I said an extra prayer to our Lord for the amazing gift of our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4: 13-14)
Edward J. Barr is a Catechist, author and speaker in the diocese of Orlando. He earned his Master of Theology degree from the Augustine Institute. He has been living and working in Abu Dhabi for several months. Mr. Barr is a contributing writer for the Roma Locuta Est blog (www.RomaLocutaEst.com)
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