Fr. Leny Escalada Begins Mission as Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Dubai

Fr. Leny Escalada, OFM Cap., a Capuchin friar known for his quiet dedication and pastoral humility, is set to officially begin his mission as parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, a parish widely recognized as the largest Catholic community in the world.

Ahead of his installation, Fr. Leny reflected on a vocation shaped not by prominence or recognition, but by the simple and faithful witness of Capuchin friars who lived close to the people they served. He shared that his journey to the priesthood was nurtured through everyday encounters marked by humility, prayer, and selfless service, values that continue to guide his ministry.

Now entrusted with the pastoral care of a vast and culturally diverse parish, Fr. Leny approaches his new role with deep humility and trust in God’s grace. Acknowledging the weight of the responsibility, he expressed a sincere reliance on divine mercy, emphasizing that the mission ahead can only be fulfilled through faith rather than personal strength.

Guided by his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Leny renews his commitment to choose faith over fear and service over comfort as he begins this new chapter. As he steps into his role at St. Mary’s, he humbly asks the faithful to keep him in their prayers.

“Please pray for me—just one Hail Mary—that I may live and die as a good Capuchin priest,” he shared.