As the universal prayer of the Church was proclaimed in the many languages of the cultures gathered for the Diocesan African Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, it was the first Pentecost that came to mind. Source: Catholic Outlook.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost, those who were there heard the Gospel proclaimed in each of their different languages.
In Parramatta on May 18, the languages of South Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Sierra Leone all called on the one God in the prayers of the faithful, creating a visceral sense of how the Eucharistic prayer describes the Church – one body, one spirit in Christ.
This year marked a return of the combined celebration for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions.
People travelled from near and far, including from the dioceses of Sydney, Broken Bay and Wollongong to be part of the event.
Valentine Mukuria, of the Kenyan community, was unable to participate last time the African community came together, making this celebration even more special for her.
“It was so beautiful to be a part of,” Dr Mukuria said.
“To show the magnitude and depth of our faith as Africans … to live out our faith in this way.”
Ambrose Girr, from the South Sudanese community, led the choir that opened the Mass.
“Music brings people together in faith,” Mr Girr said. “And today was a beautiful example of that.”
Perhaps one of the most moving parts of the celebration was the way that, no matter which of the communities was leading it at different points, everyone was physically moved, swaying, dancing and clapping.
“The music brought everyone together… you could hear all the people joining in, praising the Lord with joy,” he reflected.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Parramatta Vicar General Fr Fernando Montano praised and thanked the African community for showing a way for the rest of the Church to celebrate the intersection of culture and faith.
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Many Nations, One Church: African Catholics Celebrate in Unity (By Michael Reid, Catholic Outlook)
