Embracing diversity: The role of culture in the Catholic Church

Nov 01, 2024

From the other side- Regina William
Romans 12:4-5: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

We are blessed that the Catholic Church celebrates various cultures through several practices and events that highlight the richness of diversity within the faith.

Worldwide, many parishes host special Masses that incorporate elements from different cultures such as music, prayers, and liturgical practices. These celebrations allow communities to express their heritage within the context of the Catholic faith.

Many parishes hold ethnic festivals that showcase traditional food, music, dance, and crafts, allowing congregants to share their cultural heritage while promoting fellowship and understanding.

Certain saints’ feast days are celebrated with particular cultural significance.

The Mary Queen Church in Friendswood, Houston, which we belong to (whenever I’m not in Malaysia) recently celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette with an International Luncheon hosted by parishioners from various backgrounds and ethnicities.

Pardon my ignorance but it was the first time hearing about Our Lady of La Salette, which I never knew about, unlike the more internationally prominent ones like Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Velankkani, Our Lady of Guadelupe, among others.

The Feast of Our Lady of La Salette is celebrated on September 19. The devotion is also recognised within the Catholic Church, and the Salettine Order was founded to promote the message and spirit of La Salette. For the uninitiated like me, Our Lady of La Salette refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary that occurred in 1846 in La Salette, France. Two young shepherds, Maximin Giraud and Melanie Calvat, reported seeing the Blessed Virgin, who conveyed a message of reconciliation and conversion, urging people to turn back to God and to repent for their sins.

The message of Our Lady of La Salette also emphasised the importance and necessity of prayer, especially on Sundays, encouraging people to keep the Sabbath holy. She also expressed concern about the misuse of God's name and the growing indifference towards faith.

The message also highlighted God’s love and desire for all to repent and seek forgiveness but also, was a clear message of hope, encouraging believers to trust in God's mercy.

The apparition, as with others which have taken place, serve as a reminder to live a life of faith, compassion, and dedication to God.

The Feast of Our Lady of La Salette is celebrated every year at the Mary Queen parish with a nine-day Novena which culminates in an International Luncheon after Sunday Mass where more than 20 different ethnicities host a feast for those attending.

Taking the opportunity to talk about Catholicism in Malaysia, my daughter and I roped in some Malaysian friends here to help in preparing favourite Malaysian delicacies like nasi lemak and various types of nyonya kuih. We were also asked to decorate the table in the country’s theme and talk about Catholic aspects of the country including Saints, apparitions etc.

We chose to highlight St Francis Xavier and his mission in Malaysia and since we are from Bukit Mertajam, we also talked about St Anne.

Most of those who attended the luncheon hardly knew Malaysia even existed and we had a great time promoting Malaysia.

The Catholic Church also recognises different liturgy which incorporate specific cultural practices and languages into worship, enriching the overall Catholic experience.

The Church often promotes initiatives that encourage dialogue and understanding between different cultural groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration while in multicultural parishes, services may be offered in multiple languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the congregation and ensuring everyone can participate fully.

Through these celebrations and practices, the Catholic Church embraces and honours the diverse cultural expressions of its members, promoting a sense of unity while respecting individual identities.

By embracing various cultural expressions, the Church not only deepens its understanding of the universal message of the Gospel but also honours the unique contributions of each community.

This celebration of diversity reflects the beauty of God’s creation and serves as a testament to the Church's commitment to inclusivity and respect. As we come together in faith, let us continue to learn from one another, celebrating our differences while finding strength in our shared beliefs, ultimately building a more vibrant and harmonious Church.

(Regina William is an ex-journalist turned head of communications, now a full-time grandmother to three children aged between five and two, crisscrossing the globe to play the role. She can be reached at [email protected])