Conventual Franciscan Parish in Georgia Celebrates Multiculturalism

The Haitian display

Conventual Franciscan Friar Gregory Hartmayer leads a very multicultural congregation as pastor of St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro, Georgia. Earlier this autumn, the congregation celebrated its many cultures at its 11th Annual Multicultural Mass and International Festivity.

Representatives from Mexico

The event had at first been scheduled to take place outside, but when Mass finished, a heavy rain began to fall and the eating areas and national booths started getting wet. Fortunately, the quick-footedness of a number of volunteers who moved chairs, tables, and booths into the Old Education Building and Parish Hall saved the day.

This group showcased the cultures of Poland, Italy, and Slovakia

Secure from the elements, the celebration was able to start. Participants sampled foods from many different nations and took in some very interesting cultural performances. At the end, the rain did not spoil the celebration and everyone involved had a wonderful time.

(Source of all related photos on webpage, homepage, and update email: www.stphilipbenizi.org.)