Intercultural Marian Celebration brings together Catholics from diverse cultures
SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of faithful Catholics, old and young, representing cultures from all over the world gathered Oct. 1 for the celebration of the annual diocesan Intercultural Marian Celebration.
This event is unique because no matter the language, culture, country of origin, social status or age, Catholics unite as one to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary in her different representations from around the globe, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Manaoag, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Virgin of Chapi and Our Lady of Częstochowa, among many others.
This year’s celebration took place on the grounds of St. Ann Catholic Church in Salt Lake City. As people prepared Our Lady images, placing flowers around them or setting them in carriages to start a procession, Maria Gonzales admired a life-sized image of Our Lady of Fatima, a title for the Virgin Mary in Portugal, where she appeared to three children in 1917.
“This is the first time I attended this event … and I am just overcome with joy. I can really feel the presence of the Virgin Mary here today with us,” said Gonzales, a parishioner of St. Peter Parish in American Fork who recently arrived in Utah from California.
At the head of the procession this year was the image of Our Lady Queen of Peace, a name for the Virgin Mary because she is mother of the Prince of Peace. The image was preceded by acolytes and escorted by members of the Utah Knights of Columbus and Father Dominic Sternhagen, pastor of Saint Ann Parish. Following was Bishop Oscar A. Solis and Fr. Sebastien Sasa Nganomo, administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in West Valley City.
Participants prayed the rosary in different native languages as the procession made its way around the grounds and into the church.
“This is just a blessing,” exclaimed Sagrario Ramos who, accompanied by her two sons, admired the images that were placed on display in the lobby of the parish after the procession.
“Being in the presence of Our Mother and surrounded by her here today means the world to me,” Ramos said, adding that that day God let her know that she is not alone.
Inside the church, a Tongan choir delighted those present with worship music as the arrangements for the Mass were being finalized.
“Our Blessed Mother is the perfect example of discipleship,” said Bishop Solis as the Mass began. “Let’s open our minds and our hearts to celebrate her today.”
Deacon Robert Cowlishaw and Deacon Lynn Johnson assisted at the Mass.
During his homily, Bishop Solis said it was a joy and a blessing to witness the diversity of the Catholics in the diocese in Utah who gathered as one for the celebration.
“Thank you for coming to celebrate our devotion to our Holy Blessed Mother. … We live in a very polarized and divided world, and so we see all these people gathered together transcending our cultural barriers – whether you are Anglo, you are Latino, you are Tongan, Samoan, Filipino, Indian, European, African, it doesn’t matter,” Bishop Solis said, adding that the procession and the gathering that day “were the beauty of one Holy See in Heaven.”
Although some people have many troubles and tribulations, the day was a time when men and women from every race, language, from every walk of life “with God’s grace all gathered together,” the bishop said.
Referring to the day’s readings, Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 and 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14, the bishop said that people are witnesses of Christ’s suffering, so “hold on to your faith and listen always to Christ’s words.”
“Faith is the ability to see God even in the darkest situation of our lives,” Bishop Solis added.
A social gathering followed the Mass.
The event was possible through the participation of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, planning committees from various parish and diocesan organizations such as the Legion of Mary, the Knights of Columbus and the Diocesan Marriage Encounter.
© Copyright 2024 The Diocese of Salt Lake City. All rights reserved.
Stay Connected With Us