Another Filipino priest is set to assume parish leadership in the UAE, as Fr. Willy Atienza, OFM Cap., prepares for his official installation as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church later this month.
Fr. Atienza will be formally installed on January 25, 2026, during a Mass to be presided over by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. His appointment places another Filipino member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.) at the helm of a Catholic parish in the country, continuing the growing presence of Filipino clergy serving multicultural communities across the emirates.
Ahead of his new assignment, parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Al Dhanna, Ruwais, gathered for a farewell Mass marking the conclusion of Fr. Atienza’s service as Assistant Parish Priest. The Mass, presided over by Fr. Atienza, drew members of various parish communities who came together to thank him for more than a year of pastoral ministry.
In his homily, Fr. Atienza underscored obedience and service, telling the faithful, “All of you are a blessing! As stated in today’s responsorial psalm, ‘Here I am, I come to do your will.’ We are not here to do our own will, but the will of our Lord.”
A fellowship program followed the liturgy, where parish groups expressed their appreciation through songs and dances, citing his pastoral closeness, dedication, and care. The gathering concluded with prayers as the community entrusted him to God and wished him well in his next mission.
Fr. Atienza was appointed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in June 2024 and was involved in regular parish liturgies, pastoral care, and major celebrations, including Simbang Gabi. His reassignment to Fujairah marks a transition from an assistant role to full parish leadership, where he will oversee parish administration, spiritual programs, and outreach initiatives.
His upcoming installation follows closely after another recent leadership change involving a Filipino Capuchin priest. Earlier this week, Rev. Fr. Leny Supe Escalada, OFM Cap., was formally installed as parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, also during a Mass presided over by Bishop Martinelli, underscoring a period of significant pastoral appointments within the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.Another Filipino named parish priest of Fujairah Catholic church
