On Sunday, Aug. 23, the Diocese of Raleigh celebrated its 19th Annual Diocesan African Heritage Celebration at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama presided, and Father Kenneth Ujunwa Oguzie, C.S.Sp., delivered the homily
The liturgy honored the many gifts of the diocese’s African ancestry communities, including African American, Caribbean and African immigrant Catholics. This year’s celebration highlighted the communities’ rich diversity with an entrance procession of elders and founding families, followed by young people carrying national flags representing the different cultures.
Prayers were offered in French, Igbo, Garifuna and Swahili. The music featured African American spirituals and hymns in French, Igbo and Swahili.
In his homily, Father Oguzie reflected on the distinction between preserving tradition and falling into traditionalism. Quoting composer Gustav Mahler, he said, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
The Church celebrates the rich history and living culture of its traditions, Father Oguzie explained, while rejecting anything contrary to the Gospel of Christ. The African drums, cultural attire and expressions of faith are not relics of the past but a living inheritance to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
“Tradition is the living faith of the dead, while traditionalism is the dead faith of the living,” he added, quoting theologian Jaroslav Pelikan.
At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Luis offered a poignant reflection on the importance of celebrating faith through culture.
“When you come to church in Africa, you are not in a hurry. You are coming to celebrate — to sing, dance and pray,” he said. “Keep alive your traditions, bringing to life what we believe through who we are.”
Bishop Luis also encouraged parents and elders to instill pride in the younger generation.
“Each community is different and has a beautiful way to pray and dress,” he said. “Let the new generations feel proud of who you are. Help us, through your presence and the gift of your culture, to enrich the Church.”
Following Mass, the community gathered in the parish hall for a joyful reception featuring music, cultural entertainment and traditional foods representing the African American, Francophone, Igbo and Swahili communities. Local professional singer Corey Leak, accompanied by Dessaline Ford, performed selections from a variety of musical genres, including jazz and Broadway.
The African Heritage Mass and cultural celebration were organized by the African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network, known by the acronym AAMEN, and the Native American Catholic Office, with support from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
