Many International and World days have been established by the UN, the Catholic Church or other organisations. The aim is generally to raise awareness about global issues and celebrate people and achievements, as well as to mobilise social and political action where change is needed.
Two of these days: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and National Best Friends Day, were celebrated together this year, on Pentecost Sunday, in the two churches of St. Conleth’s Parish, Newbridge – St. Conleth’s and Cill Muire.
World Day for Cultural Diversity is held every year on the 21st of May. It celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, recognising the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence The theme for this year is: “Embrace the Journey, Shape our Future”. Best Friends Day is celebrated on 8th of June.
Holy Family Lay Member, Edel Mulligan, describes the celebration in Cill Muire Church.
A Special International Mass took place at 10:30 to celebrate the Parishioners we have from different countries. These include people from: The Philippines, India, Poland, Moldova, The USA, Ukraine, Latvia, Nigeria, and many others.
The choir also consisted of singers from Poland, Nigeria, India and The Philippines. Some were dressed in traditional costumes. The church was beautifully decorated and we have to thank Sr. Eileen and her team for that. The main celebrant was Fr. Michal Cudzilo C.C (originally from Poland) and Fr. Ruairi Ó Domhnaill P.P.
We were asked to pray the Our Father in our own languages. It was amazing to hear the different languages being spoken. I was able to pray it in Irish/ Gaeilge. It was emotional as it was Pentecost Sunday and it reminded me of what happened on that day so many, many years ago.
A similar Eucharistic Celebration took place in St. Conleth’s Church, presided by Fr. Antony Arakal CC (from India). The congregation heard singing, readings, bidding prayers in many languages by people from different cultures, dressed in their colourful national costumes. The Arathi ritual before the Offertory was particularly moving.
The celebration was so appropriate for the feast of Pentecost when disparate peoples of various languages and cultures found a common voice through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. May we, in the Parish of Newbridge, speak with one voice, advocating on behalf of our refugee and migrant parishioners and neighbours.
After the Eucharist, the Congregations in both Churches were invited to continue cementing their connections by sharing tea and refreshments. Many who could, availed of this, making it a memorable occasion for all.
Below left, Sr. Eileen Murphy (in blue) and right Sr. Margaret Bradley with HF Lay Members.
•