Epiphany Fiesta at Our Lady, Queen of Peace

By Linda Busetti
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/10/02)

The beautiful interweaving of many cultures that make up Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish in Arlington was celebrated last Sunday. Parishioners, some in traditional Latin American, Polish or Indian dress, watched children re-act the Magi’s adoration of the Christ Child during Mass.

Bishop Joseph Madera of the Military Archdiocese of Washington celebrated the bilingual Mass.

The Hispanic choir, led by music director John Wright Rios, sang out, "Gloria en las alturas y en la tierra paz," and in turn, "Glory in the highest and peace on the earth!"

In his homily, Bishop Madera said the star of Bethlehem proclaimed, "All of us have the right to be in heaven." Bishop Madera recounted his life as a Mexican-American who has served as the Bishop of Fresno.

Before the Offertory, many young children, wearing silver paper crowns, followed the Magi up the center aisle while the congregation sang, "We Three Kings."

Parishioners joined hands across the aisle for the Lord’s Prayer and then warmly extended a sign of peace as far as hands could reach.

Following Communion, Rios sang "Christmas in the Trenches," the retelling of a World War I holiday truce between enemy soldiers.

Bishop Madera then led the congregation in three loud "Viva"s for "Christo el Rey" (Christ the King) as Mass concluded.

The annual Epiphany Fiesta followed in the parish hall with pastor, Father Jeffrey Duaime, C.S.Sp., inviting everyone to enjoy an international buffet. Six-year-old Joanna Lovo, in Latin American dress, sampled some of the many dishes brought by parishioners.

Bishop Madera and Father Duaime, joined Thaddenia West, the parish’s sole surviving founding member, at a table at the front of the gaily decorated hall. Latin music promised that dancing would follow.

This was truly an international fiesta. Dr. Joseph Fernandez, of Indian descent, was surrounded by family and friends. Amol Bhauser, a Hindu from India, called the blending of cultures at Our Lady, Queen of Peace, "beautiful." Fernandez’ daughter Juhi, who portrayed Mary in the Epiphany play, sat near her sister’s family visiting from England.

Silver-haired Darlene Warner, wearing an embroidered green and red Polish costume, proudly presented her new "grandbabies," Antonio and Maria Johnson (7 and 10 months old respectively), who were recently adopted from Guatemala. 

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