RALEIGH - “I am reminded of Paris,” said Father Pius Wekesa. He was referring to the flags of a multitude of nations that were carried into Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral at the annual African Heritage Mass celebrated Sunday, Aug. 18.
Father Pius, pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham, was the homilist for the Mass celebrated by Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general for the Diocese of Raleigh, and concelebrated with 12 other priests.
The flags were reminiscent of the opening and closing ceremonies of the recent Olympic Games held in Paris, which represented a spirit of global unity. Father Pius referenced the range of African nations represented in our diocese and how both the diversity and unity of the community strengthen people.
The diversity of the African Heritage community was further highlighted as English, French, Igbo, Kinyarwanda and Swahili were spoken or sung during the Mass.
And organizers said the African American, French, Igbo and Swahili Mass entrance procession included elders and founding families from each community to celebrate the centennial of the Diocese of Raleigh.
Father Pius also spoke of the “living bread” highlighted in the day’s Gospel reading that also unites and stands as the source and summit of the Catholic community across the globe.
“Christ in the Eucharist is real, it is true and it is substantial,” Father Pius said.
Following the Mass, the faithful gathered in the parish hall to share in a celebration with African music and food.
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