A Rich Diversity

People who attend our local Catholic parish have noticed that Saint Mary is a very diverse group of Catholics. This is only fitting, as Catholic means universal. We can view practices from different cultures as a rich blessing from which we can learn or we can resist and think “What are they doing to MY Mass/rosary/holiday.”
I remember my first experience of the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When I drove my school bus past the church at 5:30am, the plaza in front was full of people singing, led by mariachis. I asked around the bus yard and learned a little about the tradition.
Ever since, whenever I can, I attend.
What a wonderful expression of faith: mañanitas (morning serenade), then Mariachi Mass, then hospitality with champurado (Mexican hot drink), pan dulce (sweet bread), and coffee. What a way to start the day! But there’s more. It all happens again at 7pm with another Mariachi Mass and reception. Mind you, each event is attended by about 1500 people, so it’s cozy in the church, which seats 950.
In a similar way, I’ve learned about Our Lady of Fatima and Holy Ghost, our Portuguese celebrations; Simban Gabi, Santo Niño and Flores de Mayo, our Filipino celebrations; and Our Lady of Juquila, with our Oaxacan community. The sense of openness and hospitality that my Mom infused me with helps me to eagerly learn of other people’s devotions. I find it enriching and interesting to experience cultural expressions of devotion to our One God. I hope you will give it a try, next time Saint Mary’s has a celebration that is new to you.