Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. to Celebrate Annual Cultural Heritage Mass

Celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the  Annual Cultural Heritage Mass. He will be joined by Archbishop Roger Houngbedji, O.P., Archbishop of Cotonou in Benin, Africa.

The Mass highlights the rich history and cultural diversity of the Catholic community in the five-county Archdiocese, which is comprised of people who trace their origins to Asian, African, European, Mexican, Caribbean, Brazilian and Native American communities.

Saturday, March 23, 2019
Procession (2:00 p.m.)
Mass (2:30 p.m.)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Liturgy will feature participation from groups representing approximately 28 different national, ethnic, and/or Eastern Catholic Church traditions.  Scripture readings and prayers will be proclaimed in 8 different languages including Filipino, Malayalam, Urdu, Ghanaian, Vietnamese, Lithuanian, and Kenyan. Including English, 15 different languages will be spoken or sung at the Cultural Heritage Mass this year.  Additionally, 10 choirs will provide multilingual music throughout the Mass.

Participants dressed in native attire will walk in the opening procession behind banners that display their country of origin. The Mass theme is “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” marking the Extraordinary Year of Mission called forth by Pope Francis.

This year’s Cultural Heritage Mass is sponsored by the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees and the Pontifical Mission Societies. All are welcome to attend.

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Editor’s Note: For more information please contact Sister Gertrude Borres at the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees at 215-587-3540.
No mult-box feed will be provided. Cameras will be permitted in the Cathedral. They must remain clear of the main aisle and Altar.   

Contact:

Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)