More than 500 Catholics throughout the diocese filled St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax to capacity for the Mass for Multicultural Communities Aug. 16.
From the opening Marian procession featuring 26 cultures, to the closing hymn, a soaring version of “Be Thou My Vision,” the Mass and following reception were a joyful celebration of the diverse strength of the diocese.
“We celebrate every culture,” said Eva Apoagye-Nyame, a member of the Ghanaian community. “We embrace every culture because in Christ we’re all one.”
“Each country has something that’s special,” said Dominican Father Vincent Dinh, parochial vicar of Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church in Arlington. “We come here to share that and it’s very wonderful. We don’t have many opportunities where we gather like this and it’s awesome.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass and recognized the importance that multicultural communities have in the history of the diocese in his homily.
“What an exciting time in the life of our diocese, when we are celebrating and waiting in joyful anticipation for our jubilee celebration, our 50th anniversary on Sept. 5,” said Bishop Burbidge. “Every parish in the diocese will be represented at that ceremony and all the communities that we see here tonight. It will be a proud day for our diocese indeed. We’ve been focusing on this final year of preparation, on those words we heard in our reading tonight from Jesus and his heavenly throne, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ One of the things that’s very new in our diocese is our cathedral — St. Thomas More, our mother church. It’s your church. It belongs to everyone in the diocese. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
The long line for food following Mass stretched outside, but Sumathi Paun of the Tamil Indian community was all smiles. “We love to be part of this multicultural group and to share our faith and our culture,” she said. “We have our culture but the faith is common for all different cultures.”
Bishop Burbidge thanked those who worked with him to place statues of 22 saints in the renovated Cathedral of St. Thomas More, representing “who we are and so many of the communities that we see here this evening.”
“But the Lord doesn’t just make buildings new,” said Bishop Burbidge. “He promises to make his church new and this diocese new as we move to a bright future.”
That future was on display in a tapestry of bright colors, voices, cuisine, and an abundance of joy at St. Mary of Sorrows Church.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to unite together in one church, as the body of Christ,” said Tracy Pham. “It doesn’t matter what ethnic group you’re a part of. We’re here together to praise God, to worship him and to love him.”
Hale can be reached at [email protected].
