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August 27, 2021
Abu Dhabi.
Fr. Chito Bartolo OFM Cap. was installed as Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Cathedral during a solemn High Mass celebrated at the parish today at 7 pm. In the absence of the Apostolic Vicar Bishop Paul Hinder, who is away on a visit to Kuwait, the celebration of the rite was presided over by the Vicar General, Fr. Troadio de los Santos.
Besides the Chancellor of the Vicariate, Fr. Valerian Fernandes, who read the letter of appointment, the Custos of the Capuchin Custody of Arabia, Fr. Peter P. M., and several other priests assisted at the celebration. Members of the parish council and representatives of other ministries of the parish were present at the celebration to welcome and pray for the newly appointed parish priest.The outgoing parish priest, Fr. Johnson K Joseph, will be temporarily based in the parish of St. Paul’s Musaffah, which also houses the custody offices. As soon as circumstances allow, Fr. Johnson will travel to Oman to take responsibility for the parish of St. Francis Xavier’s Salalah as the new parish priest, and Fr. Antony P., the present parish priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Salalah will travel to Jebel Ali to take charge as the new parish priest of St. Francis Assisi parish.
Fr. Leny Escalada OFM Cap. the priest responsible for the Filipino community in Musaffah has travelled to Dubai to replace Fr. Chito Bartolo. Fr. Troadio de los Santos, the Vicar General, will be responsible for the Filipino communities of Musaffah and Ruwais.
Fr. Chito Bunda Bartolo OFM Cap. was born in Poblacion, Norala, South Cotabato, Philippines; in the year 1970, on December 8th, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary as belonging to the Immaculate Conception Parish in the diocese of Marbel.
Fr. Chito joined the Capuchin friars and had his philosophical and theological studies in St. Lawrence of Brindisi House of Studies Tagaytay City and was ordained to the priesthood on the 30th of November 2001.
Fr. Chito was appointed as the director of seminary students by the then Provincial Minister Fr. Troadio de los Santos (the present Vicar General in Abu Dhabi). After the completion of his term of office he was appointed Parish Priest to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Quezon City and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Mandaluyong City in the Philippines, until he took charge as Assistant Priest at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai, UAE in 2014.
We pray for the new parish priest and also the outgoing parish priest, may the Lord bless their labours and accompany them in their tasks.
To watch the installation mass online, click here.