By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
St. Ann parishioners carry their native Haitian flag during the parade of nations. Mary Stadnyk photos
It’s been several years that St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, has hosted both a Multicultural Festival and an annual parish picnic that goes back many years.
But when the suggestion came up to combine the two events, Father Leandro dela Cruz, pastor, liked the idea and wanted to give it a try. He especially liked the part about bringing his culturally diverse parish together for a social event that honors their various customs and heritages while celebrating their unity as a community of faith.
PHOTO GALLERY: Multicultural parish festival in Lawrenceville parish
Held Sept. 14, on the grounds adjacent to St. Ann School was the parish’s first Multicultural Parish Picnic. There Father dela Cruz and several hundred parishioners gathered for an afternoon that included ethnic foods, some folks dressed in native attire, and there was even a parade where the various cultural groups got to showcase something about their ethnicity, such as a musical presentation or dance. This event caught the attention of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and his priest-secretary, Father Jean Felicien, who stopped by and plugged into the fun.
Father Dela Cruz said there are about 20 countries represented in the parish, including Eastern Europe, the Philippines, Haiti, Africa, Korea and various Spanish-speaking countries. An added element for Father Dela Cruz is having oversight of nearby St. Michael Parish, which had been merged with St. Ann’s in 2005. The following year, St. Michael’s became the spiritual home to three ethnically diverse communities – English, Slovak and Korean – where members continue to practice their Catholic faith and receive the Sacraments.
Ameriquin Dalmasey-Laccetti organized the Multicultural Festival. She said that in serving as head of school in St. Ann School and being a former World Language teacher, “it is a point of pride that we bring together so many different ethnicities and cultures together in Christ.” She emphasized that in being open and tolerant of each other “creates peaceful communities.”
“Everyone involved has a passion for putting their best foot forward and presenting the best they can give to their community,” Dalmasey-Laccetti said. “Our common goal is to share ourselves and [see to it] that all works out in a pleasing manner so that we can enjoy this time with our community.”
“This type of event helps to deepen the parish community ties,” she said.
Bishop O’Connell greets members of the Slovak community in St. Ann Parish including Father Peter Bujdos, a weekend assistant who serves the Slovak community in St. Ann Parish and a parishioner wearing native Slovak attire.