Dubai: Parishioners at Dubai's St Mary's Church had been urged to avoid carrying bags when attending services as part of security measures when up to 100,000 are expected to gather during Easter weekend from Thursday to Sunday.
Catholic priests here have issued reminders to church-goers to avoid carrying bags to church, as they may be subjected to inspections.
"We appreciate the help of the police here. And we appeal to our parishioners to be discreet," said St Mary's Dubai parish priest Fr. Lennie J A Connully told Gulf News.
He urged the parishioners to observe the appeal, especially from Thursday until Sunday.
"Please avoid carrying bags. The bags also occupy space," said Fr Lennie, who belongs to Capuccin order,
"As in the previous years, we're expecting a big crowd, up to 100,000 gather during this weekened — from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. So we appeal for cooperation from our parishioners... you may come straight to church from work with your bag and a lunch box, where you also carry a spoon, fork and a knife. Please avoid this."
The announcement is also flashed on church screens after every service.
Christians mark Good Friday as the day of Christ's passion and death. Easter Sunday is the day Jesus ressurected from the dead, according to the Christian belief.
