Catholic Congregation Celebrates Diversity

January 8, 2001

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On January 8, 2001, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that "voices in a multitude of languages joined in prayer Sunday for unity and cultural tolerance at the annual observance of National Migration Week at St.Pius V Church." 500 to 600 worshippers heard multiple languages in celebration of National Migration Week, which was "established by the National Council of Catholic Bishops to recognize the contribution every individual and every culture makes to the community." Rev. Mike Lydon, priest at St. Pius, said the service was intended to celebrate the unity of the Catholic faith across its diverse community and to "'highlight the plight and the successes and ongoing challenges of refugees and immigrants.'" Vietnamese Andre Ha said that "In the United States, we have many different cultures. We have a chance to learn from different cultures. There are many people from the different cultures. It's very interesting."