By Mary Lucy Stearns

STONE MOUNTAIN--The feast of Corpus Christi, June 14, was the occasion for the sixth annual “gathering of the clans” for the parish’s International Day.

Dressed in white with a tartan plaid sash, Scottish lassie Lori McTaggart made sure all the participants in the celebration were comfortable and confident about their roles in the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and the international food and entertainment festival which followed it.

Led in procession by Kathy Wood playing bagpipes, the Claretian parish priests, Father Greg Kenny, CMF, Father Severino Lopez, CMF, and Father Ray O’Connor, CMF, and deacons Will MacDonald and Gene Whitmeyer were joined by Father Elias Sarkis, chaplain at Manor Care, Decatur. Tito Espina led the congregation in song.

A flag processional followed as children dressed in native costumes placed flags before the altar to represent the birth nations of Corpus Christi parishioners. Drums beat in the background as each child announced the name of a country and the participants responded, “The Body of Christ--We are all one body.”

Father Lopez welcomed the assembly saying that at the Claretian headquarters that week the priests of Corpus Christi Parish had identified their mission as that of establishing an international parish in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in response to the needs of the people of the area.

The first reading was proclaimed in German; the second reading in Igbo, a Nigerian language, and the Gospel was proclaimed in English.

In his homily Father Kenny contrasted the confusion created by the Tower of Babel with the understanding brought by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. He described the Mass as a gathering of all the people of God who celebrate the sacrifice of Christ as equals in the presence of God and who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ. And, just like the disciples on Pentecost, we know we are not yet perfected; indeed, it will take a lifetime of work in the Spirit and constant giving from the heart until our goals of unity and understanding will be accomplished and we truly form one body of Christ.

In preparation for the offertory a colorful woven altar cloth was brought down the center aisle during a liturgical dance and placed on the altar. Two girls followed, carrying large altar candles. A bread basket and a jug of wine were placed before the altar; then representatives of several international communities brought other gifts to the altar including a basket of spices from Grenada, a steel drum from Tobago, maize from Mexico, a box from Haiti and art from the Philippines. All of this was done to the accompaniment of two drums and a chorus. The congregation responded, “We are one body.”

The “Our Father” was said by each participant in his own language.

The Communion song was performed by an Indian choir.

After Mass the congregation met in the gym for the international festival. Booths were set up displaying some of the culture of a country and many national foods were offered as well. After Father O’Connor blessed the food and Yvonne Gordon sang the national anthem of the United States, the celebration began in earnest.

On the festival stage the audience was entertained by singers and dancers from around the world. Grenadians retold the story of the creation of their island in song and dance. Adult male and female dancers from the Philippines, young dancers from both India and the Philippines, a professional troupe of folkloric dancers from Chile and a classical dancer from India delighted the audience with their skilled performances. Father Kenny joined representatives of various African cultures as they danced together in a number entitled “Highlife.” Armando sang a romantic Mexican song and a troupe from Morehouse College performed a humorous skit. The events concluded with an international fashion show and the dancing of the “Twist.”

The parishioners of Corpus Christi were overheard already planning for next year’s event with their characteristic enthusiasm.

“I’ve lived in the United States 36 years and have spent 22 years in Georgia,” said Cecilia from Grenada. “And I still look forward to International Day every year and enjoy taking an active part in it as a representative of my native culture.”

Mary Lucy Stearns is a Corpus Christi parishioner.