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October
23, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 18Oakland,
CA
Ethnic communities celebrate Chautauqua
Several hundred
Catholics gathered Oct. 7 for the 14th annual Chautauqua celebration and
to observe the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins
presided at the multicultural event, held at St. Lawrence O’Toole-St.
Cyril Church in Oakland. Bishop Allen Vigneron, who is recovering from
injuries due to a fall, was unable to attend.
Father Nicholas Glisson, parochial administrator, welcomed the participants
to the parish.
Most are members of the numerous ethnic pastoral centers in the diocese.
They joined in a procession through the neighborhood, carrying images
of the Blessed Virgin and singing the traditional hymn “Immaculate
Mary” in 11 languages.
A multilingual Mass followed. During the liturgy, a collection was taken
to support the ministry of Oakland Deacon Stan Lee, who is working among
the poorest of the poor in the Philippines.
Chautauqua begins with a procession around the block
adjacent to
St. Lawrence O’Toole-St. Cyril Church.
Young Tongan women move down the aisle during the Offertory hymn and presentation of gifts.
Father Ghebriel Woldai, chaplain of the Eritrean Catholics of the Ge’ez
rite, beats his drum during the Alleluia verse chanted by the Ge’ez
community.
JoJo Pacquia of St. Anne Parish in Union City leads the congregation in song, aided by the Filipino choir of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Concord.
A young Vietnamese girl sings during the Chautauqua liturgy.
JoAnn Evans of St. Callistus Parish in El Sobrante leads the community in prayer.
Members of the pastoral centers proudly carry signs during the procession.
Three young girls representing the Kmhmu (left), Vietnamese (center) and Korean communities, offer a thanksgiving prayer after Communion.
A statue of Our Lady of the Rosary has a prominent place in the front of the sanctuary.
Deacon Hoc Chuan Oey of the Indonesian Catholic community prays during the Marian procession.
Bertha Ortega-Plate, a member of St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, incenses the sacred space around the altar at the beginning of Mass.
Sebastian Grobelny of the Polish Pastoral Center asks God’s blessing on all people during the Prayer of the Faithful.
CHRIS DUFFEY PHOTOS
