?Show me the Path of Life? was the theme for Celebrating the Faith of Africa, this year?s annual diocesan African community Mass. Celebrant for the June 26 liturgy was Father Cyriacus Elelleh, a Nigerian priest from the Diocese of Orlu.
St. Agnes+Our Lady of Fatima Parish hosted the Mass in its new worship space. Hundreds of people filled the church, many wearing the colorful clothing of their homelands. Greater Cleveland has a robust immigrant population and is home to people from several African countries, including Liberia and Nigeria.
Father Bob Marva, OFM Cap, pastor, welcomed all to the celebration, which incorporated pieces of many African cultures, including traditional music and song. The first reading was in Krahn, a language in Liberia. The second reading was in Swahili, a language of East Africa. Deacon Hardin Martin proclaimed the Gospel in English.
Father Cyriacus, who is studying canon law in Venice, Italy, shared reflections on faith and culture in his homily. He noted the great diversity of Africa. ?In Nigeria there are more than 250 languages
