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Multicultural celebration returns

Catholic Herald Staff Report

Deacon Albert A. Anderson of St. Joseph Church in Alexandria delivers the Gospel reading June 25 at the Mass for Multicultural Communities at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Grand Knight Anthony Johnson (left) and Beverly Thornton, parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Alexandria, bring up the gifts. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Members of Tamil Community Dancers perform during a reception following the Mass for Multicultural Communities. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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The Albanian Dance and Song Ensemble perform at a reception following Mass. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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After Mass, attendees enjoy a performance by the Ghanaian Community Dancers. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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An array of different ethnic traditions was on display at the Mass for Multicultural Communities at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington June 25. The gathering marked the event’s return after it was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, the main celebrant and homilist, called it one of his favorite and most joyful Masses of the year, because “we celebrate your culture, your tradition, your history, your stories, the unique gifts and devotions that you bring forward to enrich our communities.”

“You are a special blessing for the church and for this diocese of Arlington.”

The occasion was also a celebration of our unity as God’s holy family, at a time when that is especially important for the United States, the world and the Catholic Church, he said.

“Though many, we are one body in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.”

A reception following the Mass featured traditional performances by the Albanian Dance and Song Ensemble, Ghanaian Community Dancers and the Tamil Community Dancers.

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