Silenced in the Sand: Easter Masses in Dubai Cancelled Amid War’s Reach

Imagine, if you will, the sprawling expanse of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence, usually bustling with life, now eerily quiet. The usual chatter of tourists and residents has been replaced by an unsettling silence. The reason? Easter Masses, a staple of Dubai’s multicultural scene, have been cancelled this year. Not due to COVID-19, but because of a war thousands of miles away.

War’s Reach: From Ukraine to Dubai

The conflict in Ukraine has sent ripples across the globe, affecting lives in ways we’re only beginning to understand. In Dubai, a city known for its tolerance and diversity, the war has led to the cancellation of Easter Masses for the first time in living memory. The decision, made by the Catholic Church in the UAE, is a stark reminder of how far-reaching the war’s impact is.

Father Tomy Puliyanamattam, a priest at St. Mary’s Church in Dubai, explained, “The situation in Ukraine is volatile and unpredictable. We have a significant Ukrainian community here, and we can’t risk their safety. We’ve decided to cancel all Easter services until further notice.”

Malta’s Connection: A Community in Limbo

Malta, with its strong Catholic roots and historical ties to Dubai, has a significant community in the UAE. Many Maltese expats in Dubai are grappling with the cancellation of Easter services, a time usually filled with family, faith, and community. Maria Grech, a Maltese resident in Dubai, shared her disappointment, “Easter is a time for family and faith. To not have Mass this year feels strange, especially knowing it’s because of something so far away yet so close to home.”

Grech’s sentiments echo those of many Maltese expats in Dubai. They’re left in limbo, unable to celebrate Easter as they usually would, not because of local restrictions, but because of a war halfway across the world.

: Hope and Resilience

Despite the cancellations, the Maltese community in Dubai is finding ways to adapt. Many are planning virtual Easter services and family gatherings. Father Tomy assures, “While we can’t meet physically, we’re exploring other ways to celebrate Easter. We’re a resilient community, and we’ll find a way to keep our spirits high.”

Back in Malta, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna offered his support, “Our hearts go out to our Maltese brothers and sisters in Dubai. We pray for peace in Ukraine and for the safety of all affected. Let’s remember, even in difficult times, Easter brings hope and resurrection.”

As we approach Easter, the silence on Dubai’s beaches serves as a stark reminder of the conflict raging elsewhere. Yet, it also underscores the resilience and adaptability of the Maltese community, who, despite the challenges, are finding ways to celebrate their faith and culture.

So, this Easter, as we sit down to our traditional feasts, let’s spare a thought for our fellow Maltese in Dubai. Let’s hope that next year, they’ll be celebrating Easter on the beach, the war a distant memory.