Dubai: As job losses subside, Christian faithful in Dubai facing the aftershocks of the financial crunch are storming the gates of heaven with pleas over their earthly demands: their jobs, families and debts accumulated during the erstwhile era of imprudence.
Night masses
For nine days in the run-up to Christmas, up to 8,000 Filipino parishioners of St Mary's Church in Dubai attend the ‘Simbang Gabi' (nightly masses) with many praying to be debt-free and promising to be wiser with money.
Ivan, who lost his job as a salesman last year and has worked at intermittent part-time jobs, said: "I'm praying for a regular job, to pay off our loans and be able to take care of my mother, who is now living alone back home."
Danny, a Dubai-based interior designer, was slapped with an absconding case by his employer last year after he attempted to resign thrice. Unable to find another job or go home, two banks are running after him over unpaid loans and credit card debts amounting to Dh90,000.
His employer insisted on keeping his passport, which expired in February 2010. "I just lay down my cards with the banks," said the father of four. "But I'm thankful my wife has a job and I can do part-time design work... to clear my debts soon... that would be freedom for me."
Ronald, a telecommunications technician, said he's getting himself ready for redundancy as some of his colleagues' jobs have been "outsourced". "Job loss remains a reality. I've told my family to be ready, just in case. I'm thankful I still have a job."
In his sermons, parish priest Tom Veneracion urged worshippers to ditch over-the-top celebrations and focus on the season's essence.
Joy of giving
"We should all celebrate, but in moderation. What's important is the joy of giving, being thankful every day… humility in serving others," the Filipino prelate said.
Quoting a popular passage from an old yarn of Antoine De Saint-Exupéry's book The Little Prince, the pastor said: "What is essential is invisible to the eye. Discontentment is part of human nature. Envy deprives us of a thankful heart. Instead of focusing on what we lack, let's focus on what we already have. This Christmas, let's make a list of what God has given us, kneel down and look up to Him and say ‘what You have given is enough for me'."
