Bishop Paolo Martinelli welcomed with great joy the communication regarding the full reopening and resumption of activities at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali, and St. Mary’s Church, Dubai.

On July 1, 2026, he addressed a letter to the parish priests, priests, and faithful of the two parishes, thanking them for their “responsibility and witness of faith” during the time of restrictions.

He also expressed his gratitude to the authorities, “who have carefully watched over our safety during a particularly delicate time.”

Following is the text of the message dated July 1, 2026:

Dear parish priests, priests, and faithful of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali, and St. Mary’s Church,  Abu Dubai:

Today we welcome with great joy the communication regarding the full reopening and resumption of activities in these two parishes, after three months of restrictions.

At this moment, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the authorities, who have carefully watched over our safety during a particularly delicate time and have now deemed that the moment has come for the full resumption of Christian life in our parish communities.

I thank you parish priests and all the priests of the two parishes for carefully allowing the celebrations in the most respectful and orderly way possible within the measures put in place during these months. Above all, I thank you for never failing to offer pastoral care to the people entrusted to you.

My gratitude also goes to all you faithful, especially dear children, for accepting sacrifices, both great and small, with patience and responsibility, committing yourselves to respecting the safety measures, and yet continuing to show your fidelity to the sacraments. I am certain that this witness of faith, obedience, and perseverance will bear fruit in your lives.

As we now resume all activities, I ask everyone to continue maintaining an attitude of respect, consideration, and care for one another, while sincerely following the civil laws.

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of my installation as Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, I entrust the faithful of Jebel Ali and Dubai to the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of the Vicariate, and I invoke upon each of you the Lord’s blessing.

+ Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap.
Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia