Many Nations, One Parish Family

On August 9, parishioners at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish gathered for the annual Feast of the Nations, a day of food, cultural performances, and fellowship. Now in its 13th year, the Feast has become a much-anticipated day for the parish family, bringing together people from different countries and cultures to celebrate the richness of their diversity while sharing in the unity of their Catholic faith.

This year’s celebration was especially rooted in the Diocese of Calgary’s call to parish renewal: “You Are Called. You Matter. You Belong.”
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The day began where parish life begins — at the Eucharist. During Mass, the parish’s cultural diversity was reflected in the liturgy, including an offertory procession that incorporated African traditions. After Mass, parishioners carried flags representing countries from around the world as they processed to the outdoor celebration, where they enjoyed cultural performances, food, and activities for children and adults.

For Fr. Shibu Kallarakkal, pastor of Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish, the Feast is about more than showcasing different cultures. It is a day when the parish comes together as one.

“It is almost a day of our parish,” he said. “We all come together. We are all eating together. We are all celebrating the Mass together. We are all enjoying the show together.”

Despite their different backgrounds and traditions, parishioners spend the day celebrating as one family.

“Regardless of our cultural difference, regardless of all other differences, we come together,” Fr. Shibu said.

The Feast also included opportunities for families to learn and connect. Police were present to provide information to parishioners, while activities throughout the day gave children and adults a chance to take part in the celebration.

An estimated 1,000 to 1,500 people attended this year’s Feast, which also raised $33,000.

For Fr. Shibu, the Feast is ultimately a reminder of what it means to belong to the parish community. “You are called, you matter, you belong.”

In a parish made up of people from many nations and cultures, the Feast was a chance to celebrate what they share: their life together as one parish family.
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“We are one, and we are one family,” Fr. Shibu said.