St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

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Jebel Ali Church or Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Dubai was inaugurated in November 2001 as part of the Vicariate of Arabia, presently pastored by Bishop Paul Hinder. The parish is comprised of many nationalities from around the world, living mainly as expatriates in Dubai. The church is situated just off of Sheikh Zayed Road in Jebel Ali. Jebel Ali is situated on a small mountain in the desert. The name itself means ‘Small Mountain’. It is easily accessible from The Gardens/Ibn Battuta Mall and from the Jebel Ali Village interchanges. ^[1]

1 History
2 External Links
3 See Also
4 References

[edit] History

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was in the territory of St. Mary’s Church, Dubai where Rev. Fr. Daniel Cerofolini OFM Cap was the Parish Priest. He blessed and laid the foundation stone on 4th October 2000. The construction of the entire church building was done within a period of one year. The church was consecrated on November 15th 2001 by Archbishop Giuseppe de Andrea, the Apostolic Delegate of Arabian Peninsula. Almost 3000 people took part in the ceremony. ^[2]

A list of all the priests who have served the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jebel Ali since 2000 when it came into existence.

Bishop Bernard Gremoli
Fr. Daniel Cerofolini
Fr. John Fernandaz
Fr. Ani Xavier
Fr. Wilson Pascal
Fr. Conrad D'Souza
Fr. Thomas Quadros
Fr. Johnson K. Joseph
Bishop Paul Hinder
Fr. Warnakulasuriya Anthony Fernando
Fr. Peter Kadamankod
Fr. Eugene Mattioli

The parish land area is 50,000 ft2. It comprises of a single building of three parts. The church is adjoined by the Assisi Parish Hall. There is also a systematically constructed Padua Centre with fifteen halls, which can be used for Catechesis and Prayer meetings. The residential area and the office are another part of the construction. The plan and the architecture provide also a basement-parking space for 70 cars.

The mosaic picture of Jesus embracing St. Francis from the Cross decorates the sanctuary of the Church.

This is the second Church within the Emirate of Dubai which began to serve the spiritual needs of Christians living in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Jebel Ali Village, Jebel Ali Gardens and Jumeirah.