Pope John XXIII Parish in Liverpool holds its first African Mass
By Tami S. Scott
Editor
“Jambo Wa Ndugu” in Swahili translates to “Hello, my brother/sister!” It was the opening hymn from the All Saints Parish Choir, who, adorned in matching vibrant green and red robes, delivered joyful, rhythmic praise throughout the first African Mass held at Pope John XXIII Parish Oct. 19 in Liverpool. Their contagious energy ignited enthusiasm among the nearly 300 faithful gathered to celebrate the culture and tradition of fellow parishioners native to the Mother Continent.
“What began as a simple request by a few of our African families for a small parish celebration of culture has blossomed into something truly remarkable — a diocesan celebration of thanksgiving for the missionaries who have served our Diocese so faithfully,” said Father Zachary Miller, pastor of Pope John XXIII and Christ the King parishes in Liverpool.
By providence, the reverential Mass took place on World Mission Sunday — something Father Zach attributes to the Holy Spirit. “This Mass was actually supposed to be last month … when we set this date, we never even looked to see if it was World Mission Sunday.”
Father Vincent Oguejiofor, of the Servants of Charity Congregation from Nigeria, was the principal celebrant, with 11 priests concelebrating. Father Paschal Anionye, chaplain at Crouse Hospital and weekend sacramental provider at St. Margaret’s in Mattydale, offered the homily.
“It was amazing,” said Kevin and Gina McGinn, friends of Fr. Paschal.
“The worship was just beautiful,” Gina added. “It just speaks so much about the power of God’s love and community.”
“They’re a blessing, the missionaries,” Kevin said.
Three young adult siblings — Molly, Andy, and Megan Stedman — accompanied their mom, Rebecca, and dad, Deacon Timothy Stedman, of St. Mary Parish and St. Anthony of Padua in Cortland. They joined Fr. Moses Arung, OP, parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cortland; as well as at St. Margaret, Homer, St. Lawrence Mission, DeRuyter; and St. Patrick Oratory, Truxton.
When asked what was most inspiring, they each agreed it was the joy. “And how alive the people were,” Andy said.
“The community, the way they embraced it, and their participation … so outstanding,” said Deacon Tom Cuskey, of Pope John XXIII and Christ the King Parish. “It opens us up to a whole new idea of how to express our love for God.”
Toward the end of Mass, women and men glided down the main aisle to lively, inspiring, and joyous music for a traditional Thanksgiving procession, donating a wide array of items for those in need. “It’s a time where we come to appreciate God [and] what is given to us,” said Pope John parishioner Fidelis Nwaezeapu. He and his wife, Jecinta, were integral in making this day happen. “It’s a time to give back to God through His Church, and obviously to the people of God. All the gifts on the altar go to the pastor in the church, who then gives them to the [food] pantry or to the people who rely on the church.”
“Today was more than a celebration,” Fr. Zach said. “It was a spark and an ignition of new energy not only in our parishes of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII, but across our entire Diocese. Immigrant families were able to celebrate in their native ways, and their children bore witness to the richness of their parents and family members’ faith in Jesus Christ.
“By the grace of God, I truly believe we will see many fruits from this moment in vocations, in family life, and in a renewed commitment among our parishes to support, uplift, and walk with one another in faith,” he added. “Thanks be to God for this day. May it be the beginning of many more graces to come. We all today have received the Word of the Gospel, and now we have to give it back, enriched by the gifts of our own culture.”
