As a church of many races, cultures, languages, heritages and traditions, Cardinal Mahony established the Office of Ethnic Ministry in 2004 and appointed Bishop Oscar Solis to provide the important pastoral outreach to the various Ethnic communities of the local church of Los Angeles. Every year, it sponsors an annual festival to highlight and celebrate cultural diversity, to recognize the unique gifts the Ethnic communities bring that enriches our local Church, and to foster hospitality among the different communities so we can learn to live in harmony as one God’s family.
This year’s “Celebration of Cultures” is on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Festivities begin at 10:00am with a HOLY MASS in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple Street, downtown Los Angeles. Cardinal Roger Mahony will be the main celebrant with the Auxiliary Bishops and other clergy concelebrating. A Cultural Festival immediately follows across from the Cathedral at the Los Angeles County Mall – Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple Street.
The Holy Mass and Festival of Cultures organized by the various Ethnic communities will feature rich and colorful traditions in songs, costumes and dances, as well as exhibits and international food booths. The theme is “RENEWING HOPE, SEEKING JUSTICE,” as a reminder of our mission to bring hope and justice to refugees, immigrants and all people of various races and cultures. Pope Benedict XVI in his exhortation said: “I want to encourage you and your communities to continue to welcome the immigrants who join your ranks today, to share their joys and hopes, to support them in their sorrows and trials and to help them flourish in their new home.”
Come and join us in prayer and celebration to generate a spirit of hospitality, solidarity and unity in the midst of diversity. For more information, contact Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Ethnic Ministry at 213.637.7465.
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