Easter Silence in Dubai: Maltese Catholics Face Uncertainty Amidst War

In the heart of Dubai, the usually bustling streets around St. Mary’s Church stand eerily quiet this Easter. The reason? A stark reminder of the conflict unfolding thousands of miles away – the war in Ukraine.

Cancelled Masses and Empty Pews

Usually, the week leading up to Easter sees a flurry of activity around the church, with Maltese expats and locals preparing for the holy week services. This year, however, the church doors remain closed, and the pews lie empty. The Dubai Catholic Church, in compliance with the UAE’s directive, has cancelled all Easter masses due to the war in Ukraine.

“It’s strange,” says Maria, a Maltese expat who’s been living in Dubai for a decade. “Easter is always such a community event for us. To not be able to gather, to not hear the familiar hymns, it feels like a piece of home is missing.”

From Valletta to Dubai: A Shared Struggle

Malta’s close ties with Ukraine, evident in the influx of Ukrainian students and workers in recent years, have made the war feel personal for many Maltese. The cancellation of Easter masses in Dubai, a city that’s become a second home for many Maltese, only amplifies this sentiment.

“We’re used to celebrating Easter with our community here,” says Joseph, another Maltese expat. “To have it taken away like this, it’s a reminder that the war isn’t just happening over there, it’s affecting us all, no matter where we are.”

Adapting to Uncertainty

While the physical services may be cancelled, the spiritual community remains active. The Dubai Catholic Church has been streaming masses online, allowing expats to participate from the comfort of their homes. Some have even organized virtual Easter gatherings, using technology to bridge the physical distance.

“It’s not the same as being there, but it’s something,” says Maria. “We might be apart, but we’re still a community. We’re still here for each other.”

As the war in Ukraine continues, the Maltese community in Dubai, like many others around the world, faces an uncertain Easter. But amidst the cancellations and the silence, there’s a resilience, a determination to adapt and to find new ways to celebrate their faith and their community.

Back in Malta, the echoes of this uncertainty can be felt. The Ukrainian community here, like the Maltese community in Dubai, faces an Easter marked by separation and worry. But like their counterparts in Dubai, they too are finding ways to adapt, to support each other, and to hold onto hope.

As we look ahead to Easter, it’s a reminder that while the world may be uncertain, the spirit of community and resilience remains unbroken.