Posted November 1, 2022

Hundreds of area African Catholics, representing dozens of cultures and languages, gathered for the annual archdiocesan African Family Heritage Mass Oct. 23 at St. Irenaeus Church (part of Divine Mercy Parish) in Philadelphia.

(Related: African Catholics Mass a ‘joyful moment’ for faithful from many countries, cultures)

The liturgy enabled participants to express their faith through the lens of vibrant music, language and traditional attire.

(Photos by Gina Christian.)

  • Samuel Abu, leader of the archdiocesan Liberian Catholic Community, told faithful at the Oct. 23 African Family Heritage Mass “the best way to communicate with your Master is to do it in the language and culture that you understand best.” (Gina Christian)

  • Several African Catholic choirs assisted at the Oct. 23 African Family Heritage Mass. (Gina Christian)

  • A woman wears an earring shaped like the African continent.

  • Faithful participate in the annual archdiocesan African Family Heritage Mass, celebrated Oct. 23 by Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald at St. Irenaeus Church in Philadelphia. (Gina Christian)

  • Drums are central to music from many African cultures.

  • Flags from various African nations were placed before the altar at the Oct. 23 Mass.