Hundreds of Asian Catholics representing 14 nationalities, including South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia, gathered Oct. 4 at St. Clarence Church in North Olmsted for the 18th annual Asian Mass.
The event was hosted by the Asian Ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Bishop Richard Lennon was principal celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrants were priests representing various Asian Catholic communities. The Diocese of Cleveland is one of the few in the country to have an Asian Ministry.
Many of those attending the Mass wore colorful ethnic clothing like kimonos, karawangs, hanboks, barongs and ao dais. A Vietnamese gong sounded as the entrance procession began, with representatives of nationality groups carrying banners.
A combined choir and singers representing South Korea, the Philippines, China and India sang during Mass. Prayers of the faithful and some readings were in native languages, also.
?We are all called to be united in a relationship of faith, hope and charity,? Bishop Lennon told the congregation in his homily. He also reflected on love, the dignity of all human life and the need for us to respect each other.
Notre Dame Sister Rita Mary Harwood, diocesan secretary for parish life and development, asked those attending to pray for families, which she called ?one of the great gifts the Asian community brings to us. You so enrich us with your deep love of family,? she said.
Festivities continued after Mass with entertainment and a luncheon featuring many popular Asian foods prepared by the various ethnic groups.
