A diversity Mass: something to celebrate

By Rebecca Bostic, The Catholic Sun
November 16, 2006

The tremendous growth of Phoenix in the last decade has not only increased the number of Catholics in the Phoenix Diocese, but also the degree of cultural diversity.

This cross section of culturally diverse Phoenix Catholics has celebrated their unity the past nine years with an annual Mass.

Catholics from dozens of different backgrounds gathered for this year’s Mass at St. Joan of Arc Parish Nov. 4.

“It is very important to recognize that we are different,” said Fr. Andres Arango, who celebrated the Mass. “We have different backgrounds, different cultures, but one faith and if we work together, we can do more than by ourselves.”

Fr. Arango moved to Phoenix a year and a half ago from Colombia and currently serves at St. Jerome Parish. His homily focused on the importance of motivation, creativity and hope.

“This is very important for us because it means that we are one family,” he said of the culturally-themed Mass. “It doesn’t matter where we are coming from because God has only one language: the language of love and happiness. To celebrate this Mass is a confirmation that we have to enjoy the goodness of God.”

Catholics from all over the Valley attended the Mass, many choosing to dress in clothes indicative of their culture, creating a visual tapestry of diversity in every pew.

Featuring a culturally diverse children’s choir and prayers of the faithful in different languages, the Mass honored many ethnicities.

“The reason for the Mass is to come together as a diocese and celebrate the cultural diversity from communities in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific,” said Ignacio Rodriguez, associate director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry.

“Each ethnic community takes a lead in the Mass and makes sure their own ethnic community participates,” he said.

Annie Almeida, an immigrant from India who has lived in the United States for 11 years, brought her family to the Mass. She hoped to expose her children to the expression of the diverse expression of the Catholic faith.

“My children have to know culture. Not only their culture, but the other cultures too,” Almeida said. “It’s nice to see different people following the faith, the same faith, the Catholic faith.”

St. Joan of Arc parishioner Richard Malena was thrilled his parish hosted the annual celebration.

“Catholic means universal and that’s exactly what we had here today: universal,” Malena said.

“We all worship the same God and feel called to celebrate our diversity through the celebration of the Eucharist,” Rodriguez said.