RALEIGH – The Diocese of Raleigh celebrated its annual African Heritage Mass on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama presided, and Father Marcos León offered the homily.
The liturgy honored the gifts of African ancestry communities in the diocese, including African American, Caribbean, and African migrant Catholics. This year’s celebration highlighted the community’s rich diversity, with an entrance procession of elders and founding families representing the different communities followed by the national flags carried by the youth. Prayers were offered in multiple languages—French, Igbo, Kikongo, Basaa, Garifuna, and Swahili—and the music featured African American spirituals, along with hymns in French, Kikongo, Igbo, and Swahili.
In his homily, Father León reflected on the Gospel passage about the “narrow gate” to Heaven. He urged families to “teach young people to fear God” and reminded all that faith requires not only hearing the Word, but living it. He also recalled his ministry in Raleigh beginning in 1996, noting the growth of African clergy and communities over the decades.
“No individual priest or people can do the work alone,” he said. “Only God can bring people together.”
After Mass, the community gathered in the cathedral hall for a joyful reception with music and traditional foods representing Igbo, Swahili, French, and American cultures.
The African Heritage Mass and cultural celebration were organized by the African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network (AAMEN) and the Native American Catholic Office (NAC) office, with support from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
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