PANJIM: Thousands of Goan and other NRIs in the Arabian Gulf prayed with Pope Francis on Tuesday, when he celebrated an open air mass at Abu Dhabi on the final day of his visit to the United Arab Emirates.
The highlight for the Goan community, besides seeing and participating in a mass celebrated by the Pope, was a prayer of the faithful that was read out in Konkani. Prayers were also said in Malayalam, Urdu and other languages.
For them, the night spent waiting for the mass was worth it. “We arrived at the venue the previous night and like many waited for hours. But it was worth the wait. Our Holy Father arrived and passed through the crowd blessing us all. I felt speechless for a moment, and many could not hold their tears of joy. His very presence on this soil marks a new page in the history of the Middle East and a message of love and peace to the world,” said Zoya Gracias of Nuvem, who attended the mass.
Student Rachael Pinto of Caranzalem, said, “The papal service was truly a spirit-filled, breathtakingly beautiful celebration that was shared with people from various branches of the church as well non-Christian brethren. Pope Francis filled our hearts with much needed solace letting the people know that no matter what the trials and tribulations that comes our way, our Lord is with us and He knows everything.”
Many returned home, not just blessed by the Pope, but also inspired by his reaching out to the leaders of the Gulf States and the warmth with which he was welcomed.
“At a time when the Middle East is grappling with a long-running military campaign in Yemen and embroiled in a diplomatic spat with nearby Qatar, Pope Francis took part in an interreligious conference in the UAE, meeting Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, imam of Cairo’s, Al Azhar Sunni Islam’s prestigious seat of learning. Being open, accepting and tolerant towards each other’s faith will go a long way forward, and Pope Francis has paved the way,” said Nutan Sherif of Bangalore.
There were also words of praise for the leaders of the UAE who organised the Papal visit.
Levi Dias of Majorda said, “The Pope’s visit is the greatest event of the year, which the leaders of the UAE have dedicated as the year of tolerance. The Papal visit is not only a privilege but a special experience for Christians residing in the UAE. Pope Francis with his charisma has always been an ambassador of peace, humility and communal harmony. His visit will inspire us to be tolerant and teach us co-existence amidst cultural and religious diversity as could be seen with the people who attended the mass. The respect the UAE leaders render to Pope Francis is the same they give to the Catholic Church here.”
Agreeing with this was Sean Hutchings, a student from Lucknow, “The idea that the head of the Roman Catholic community could travel and lead a mass in a predominately Muslim country truly leaves me in awe. How fitting it is that such a momentous occasion happens during UAE’s year of tolerance. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the determination exhibited by the rulers of this great nation. Today has truly laid the groundwork for a future built on prosperity and togetherness.”
