St. Mary’s Tamil Catholic Community
SMTC, DUBAI
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.
