St. Paul Parish in Clifton, one of the most culturally rich parishes in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, delighted in its diversity on Nov. 23 with a trilingual Mass of Nations for the Feast of the Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, also known as the Feast of Christ the King.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated the liturgy, which was said in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, the Filipino language. Father Leonardo Jaramillo, St. Paul’s pastor, who was born in Colombia, and Father Vic Karljohn R.R. Leviste, parochial vicar of St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., who was born in the Philippines, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Hector Castellanos of St. Paul’s assisted with the Mass.
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Many in the congregation wore festive costumes from their native countries and heritages. The Mass began with the parish’s traditional flag procession of nations carried by families. Flags from dozens of countries were held, led by the United States flag, which served as the anchor of the procession.
As in years past, the readings for the Mass and the Prayers of the Faithful were also read in the different languages of the parish community. The parish motto is “Many cultures, many countries, many languages in one body: St. Paul’s Family.”
After the Mass, a reception was held with parishioners bringing dishes typical of their home country to share with others.
