The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has formally welcomed the appointment of Rev. Fr. Leny Supe Escalada, OFM Cap., as the new parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Dubai, describing the milestone as both a pastoral transition and a moment of pride for the Filipino community in the UAE.
In a message released following Fr. Escalada’s installation, newly assumed Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III extended his congratulations, stating: “Warm congratulations to Rev. Fr. Leny Supe Escalada, OFM Cap., on his installation as the new parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.”
Enciso noted that the appointment carries wider meaning given the scale and diversity of the parish, adding: “This milestone marks a new chapter of pastoral leadership at one of the Middle East’s most vibrant and diverse Catholic parishes, home to thousands of faithful from many nations, including a large Filipino community.” He further highlighted the importance of Fr. Escalada’s role as a Filipino priest entrusted with leading such a community, describing the appointment as a source of encouragement for overseas Filipinos in the region.
Fr. Escalada, a Filipino member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, has been serving at St. Mary’s as part of its pastoral team prior to his appointment. His ministry has focused largely on pastoral care and spiritual formation, particularly among Filipino parishioners, and has included celebrating Masses, preaching, leading retreats, and guiding major religious observances such as Simbang Gabi.
He was formally installed during the 6:15 p.m. Holy Mass presided over by Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. The liturgical rite was followed by a fellowship program at Bishop Gremoli Hall, where parishioners welcomed Fr. Escalada and expressed appreciation to the outgoing parish priest, Rev. Fr. Lennie J. A. Connully, OFM Cap.
In his message, Enciso conveyed his hopes for Fr. Escalada’s ministry, saying: “We wish Fr. Escalada every blessing as he begins this mission of service, unity, and spiritual guidance.” He also expressed a broader aspiration for the parish, adding: “May his ministry be marked by compassion, humility, and steadfast faith, and may St. Mary’s continue to be a place of welcome, prayer, and hope for all.”
Fr. Connully, who began serving as parish priest of St. Mary’s in 2014, later went on to assume wider responsibilities within the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, including service as Vicar General based in Abu Dhabi.
