The annual Mass recognized the many cultures present in the diocese and called on Catholics to support efforts for comprehensive immigration reform through prayer and action.
Coupled with the Mass, the Catholic faithful were invited to sign the newly developed Diocesan Compact, a statement affirming the diocese’s commitment to sharing the love of God with all immigrants (see story on page 7). The Diocese also launched a postcard campaign calling on Congress to pass fair and comprehensive immigration reform.
In his homily, Bishop del Riego reinforced the idea that society benefits from diversity and the gifts each culture has to offer.
“The gift we offer is not only the gift of culture,” Bishop del Riego said. “The greatest gift we can offer is that of our faith. The witness of faith is what we want to contribute to the world.”
He also called the faithful to listen to the will of God and to use the Year of Faith as a way of becoming more aware of God’s call.
“Do whatever Jesus tells you …in your personal life, in your parish, in your family, in your work,” Bishop del Riego said. “That is our path, the path of God.”
Showcasing the welcoming nature of the diocese, representatives of several cultures presented themselves to the congregation and symbolically expressed the gifts they offer to the community by pouring water into the baptismal font.
The Mass readings were proclaimed in Indonesian, Igbo, English and Spanish. The Tongan community processed with the Gospel and various other cultures were represented during the universal prayer and in the preparation of the altar and presentation of the gifts.