About Us

Our Identity & Mission

The St. Mary’s Tamil Catholic Community (SMTC) is one of the most vibrant and numerically significant linguistic sub-parishes within St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai—which is recognized as one of the largest Catholic parishes in the world. Formed in 1998, our community serves as a spiritual sanctuary for over 1,500 Tamil-speaking faithful residing in the UAE.

Our mission extends beyond mere religious gathering; we strive to preserve the unique liturgical heritage of the Tamil Catholic tradition while integrating into the multicultural fabric of Dubai. We believe that praying in one’s mother tongue provides a “spiritual intimacy” that strengthens the bond between the creator and the believer. The SMTC acts as a support system for the diaspora, offering a sense of “home away from home” through shared faith, language, and cultural values. We are committed to fostering a community where every member—from blue-collar workers to professionals—feels a sense of belonging and spiritual purpose.

A Legacy of Faith: Our History

The history of the SMTC is inextricably linked to the broader history of St. Mary’s Church in Oud Metha. In 1966, the late H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum generously donated the land upon which the first church was built. As Dubai’s economy transformed, the influx of Tamil-speaking Catholics from India and Sri Lanka created a pressing need for dedicated Tamil services.

While the wider parish was inaugurated in 1967 and rebuilt in its current magnificent form in 1989, the official Tamil Community (SMTC) was formally organized in 1998 to streamline Tamil-language Masses and devotions. Over the last 25 years, the community has grown from a small prayer group into a sophisticated organization.

Key milestones include:

The Formation of 14 Anbiyams: These Small Christian Communities (SCCs) were established to provide localized pastoral care across different residential sectors of Dubai.

Liturgical Evolution: Transitioning from occasional services to a structured weekly schedule including Adoration, Intercessory prayers, and High Masses.

Silver Jubilee (2023): Recently celebrating 25 years of service, marking a quarter-century of spiritual resilience and community building in the heart of the Middle East.

Spiritual Leadership: Our Spiritual Director

The SMTC operates under the guidance of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap), who have served the Arabian Peninsula for over a century. Our current Spiritual Director, Fr. Maria Dass Irudayam, OFM Cap, serves as the Assistant Parish Priest at St. Mary’s and is the primary shepherd for the Tamil faithful.

Fr. Maria Dass brings a deep focus on Pastoral Accompaniment, ensuring that the community remains Christ-centered amidst the fast-paced lifestyle of Dubai.

His leadership emphasizes:

Spiritual Formation: Organizing retreats, Lenten missions, and seminars that cater specifically to the Tamil cultural context.

Youth Engagement: Strengthening the “SMTC Youth” wing to ensure the next generation remains connected to their roots.

Administrative Stewardship: Overseeing the Executive and General Committees to ensure transparency and excellence in community service.

His vision is for a deep mineral faith—one that is as rich and enduring as the ancient frescoes of our tradition, yet vibrant and accessible in the digital age.

இணையத்தின் வாயிலாக இறைப்பணி தொடர இதயத்தில் அன்பை ஏந்தி இணைந்திருக்கும் என் அன்பு மக்களே,

ஆன்மீக பயணத்தில் அக்கறையும் தாகமும் கொண்ட நீங்கள் எல்லா நலமும் வளமும் பெற்று வாழ வாழ்த்துகிறேன்.

இறைப்பற்று உங்கள் ஒவ்வொருவரையும் பிறர் அன்பிலும், குடும்ப நட்புறவிலும் மேலும் உங்களை வளர்க்க செபிக்கிறேன். ஓடிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் வாழ்வில், சில வேலைகளில், நாம் நம்மையே இழக்க நேரிடும். இறைவனில் வருகின்ற தருணம் தான் நம்மையே நாம் கண்டுணரச் செய்திடும்.

இறைவாக்கினர் அன்று இறைவார்த்தையை ஏந்தி வந்தார்கள். இன்று இணையமே இறைவனை சுமந்து நமது உள்ளங்கைகளில் தவழ வருகிறது. இவ்வழி ஊடக வசதிகளை உள நல ஆன்மீக வளர்ச்சிக்கு பயன்படுத்துவது, பாறையை செதுக்கி அழகிய சிலை வடிப்பதர்க்கு ஒப்பாகும். உளிகள் உடைக்க அல்ல உருவாக்கப் பயன்படும் சாதனம். எல்லா சமூக தொடர்பு சாதனங்களும் பயன்படுத்தும் விதத்திலே வளர்ச்சி தரும்.

இவ்வழியே இறைவனைக் கண்டு இறைவழி வாழ உங்களை அழைக்கிறேன். வாருங்கள் நாம் ஒன்றாய் இறைக்குடும்பமாய் அன்பு செய்வோம். இறைவனில் இறைச்சமூகமாய் வாழ்வோம்.

My beloved people, who have gathered with hearts bearing love to continue this divine ministry through the digital medium,

I offer my blessings upon you, who possess a profound concern and thirst for the spiritual journey, that you may be graced with all wellness and prosperity.

I pray that devotion to the Divine may further nourish each of you in charity toward others and in the fellowship of family. In the restless race of life, there are moments when we are prone to lose our very selves. It is only in the moment of coming before the Lord that we are granted the grace of self-realization.

In ages past, the prophets bore the Word of God. Today, the internet itself bears the Divine, coming to rest within the very palms of our hands. Utilizing these media facilities for the advancement of psychological and spiritual well-being is likened to carving a stone to shape a beautiful image. Chisels are instruments intended not for destruction, but for creation. All means of social communication yield growth according to the manner in which they are employed.

I invite you to seek the Lord through this path and to live according to His divine will. Come, let us love one another as one holy family. Let us live as a divine community in the Lord.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Mariadass Irudayam OFM Cap
Spiritual Director (Tamil Community)
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai