Multicultural Mass and Fair celebrates community of faith ‘with many faces, languages, heritages’

The rich diversity of the Diocese of Metuchen was on full display at the Multicultural Mass and Fair which was held April 20 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Organized by the Office of Multicultural Ministries, the event showcased a wide array of food, native tongues and colorful costumes. In keeping with this time of National Eucharistic Revival, the theme for the day was “Together as One in the Eucharist.”

The Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio, began with a procession of representatives from eleven different ethnic groups carrying their parochial banners or flags and dressed in their native garb.  After the opening prayer, members of the Kenyan Community processed to the altar to present the Lectionary while rejoicing to God by singing and dancing, which is their custom. The first reading was proclaimed in Spanish and the petitions were read in various languages, including Vietnamese, Tagalog, Swahili, Portuguese, Polish and Brazilian.

In his homily, reflecting on the Gospel reading (Jn 6:60-69), Bishop Checchio spoke about how the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith, “unites us as Jesus intended it to, from all our different backgrounds, places and nationalities.”  He referred to the Eucharist as “our home away from home,” where ever our lives take us. He concluded by urging the assembly of believers to never doubt the “fruits of your devotion to the Eucharist.”

Sister Miriam Perez, diocesan coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Ministries, thanked everyone for their presence, saying, “God calls us together to be one in the Eucharist and in gathering, we make a beautiful work of art, a mosaic! One in which one piece is as important as the other and when we give totally of ourselves, we build up the Church of Metuchen and we build up the Kingdom of God.”

After the Mass, several hundred people gathered downstairs in the Community Room for fellowship.  Each ethnic apostolate prepared a display of cultural artifacts along with samples of their traditional food. The smells of dumplings, empanadas, eggrolls, shish kabobs and pierogis filled the hall. Following the food tastings, a program of ethnic performances was held which could be likened to a musical journey around the world.

• A group from the Vietnamese Apostolate began the program with a colorful “spring flowers” dance.

• Two Indian girls performed Bharatanaty-am which is an ancient dance from South India featuring intricate footwork and expressive hand gestures.

• A group of women from the Filipino Apostolate performed subli which is a religious folk dance and is considered a Catholic devotional “prayer” honoring the Holy Cross of Alitagtag.

• Adults and children from the Portuguese Apostolate danced traditional folk dances accompanied by accordions, castanets, drums and foot stomping.

• Students representing Poland performed a dance showcasing the beauty of the Polish flag.

• The Indonesian Community echoed the event’s theme by singing “We are all Family in Christ” in their native tongue.

• The Kenyans sang a Catholic song called Nimeonja a pendo lako.

• Members the Korean Apostolate danced with drums to the Arirang folk song.

• Women from the Chinese Apostolate performed an elegant dance to Above All Else.

• A trio from the Hispanic Community of Costa Rica wrapped up the program by dancing to the folk song, El Gamonal.

The Multicultural Mass and Fair was a joyous event. The day demonstrated that the Diocese of Metuchen is indeed one community of faith with many faces, languages, heritages and experiences.  It was an invitation to each ethnic group to share their stories, gifts and cultures with each other.  As the hymn goes, “We are many parts, we are all one body, and the gifts we have we are given to share!”

To learn more about the multicultural ministries in the Diocese of Metuchen, visit:  https://diometuchen.org/multiculturalministry.

Jennifer Ruggiero serves as diocesan Secretary for the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life.