French-speaking Catholics find solace in Mass said in their language

Published: 2007-04-19

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- They greet each other as family inside the small chapel at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, with warm hugs, a "Comment ca va?" and three kisses on alternating cheeks. Every Sunday at 10 a.m. a small community of French-speaking Catholics gathers to worship as one in their native tongue. Ireton's chapel with its wooden pews and long stained-glass windows provides a haven for this group, which is mostly made up of Africans from French-speaking countries such as the Republic of Congo, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Togo. Though many of those attending the French-language Mass are registered at local parishes, it is clear the gathering at the chapel is their "church." The native African dress worn by some, the rhythmic music and the use of African dialects during the Liturgy of the Eucharist bring a taste of home to these displaced faithful. "It reminds me of my childhood," said Nita Evele, who moved to the United States from Congo 10 years ago. "We all were Catholic and we went to Catholic school. It just reminds you of so much back home and you feel at home." Father Jean-Claude Atusameso, in residence at St. Mary Church in Alexandria, said the weekly French Mass, which is part of the diocesan French ministry effort, meets a big need in the diocese.

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