Detroit, USA - The scene at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on Sunday resembled a United Nations assembly instead of Mass.
Joseph Geletka stood in the city center, dressed in bright, traditional Slovakian garb, and proudly waved the white, blue and red flag of the Slovak Republic.
"We all came together from different cultures today, and I think it's fantastic," he said. "We celebrated one Mass, even though we speak different languages."
Geletka, who is a member of St. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, joined about 1,000 other Catholics from Metro Detroit to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Diversity of backgrounds has been a hallmark of the archdiocese for 175 years.
Andrew Pugliese, 85, of Clinton Township represented the "Coro Italiano," or Italian Choir, from the Italian Cultural Center in Clinton Township.
"I think it's absolutely fantastic to see all the ethnic groups come together in one group," said Pugliese, who attends Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Clawson.
Some who participated in a parade of nations at the beginning of Mass wore traditional dress representing Albania, Central America, France, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, American Indian tribes, Nigeria, the Philippines, Poland and Vietnam.
It coincided with the message of diversity delivered at the service by Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit. While Catholic churches across Metro Detroit have had to close or merge because of declining membership, the outpouring of parishioners illustrated the strength of their faith, Geletka said.
"The Catholic religion is strong and will continue to stay strong," said Geletka, 57.
Maida was joined by Cardinal Edmund Szoka, president emeritus of the government of the Vatican and archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and other dignitaries.
"In God's eyes, we are all fundamentally equal," Maida said in his homily.
"There is still some competition and parochialism, but, slowly, we have come to recognize the blessing of diversity."
Archdiocese official Ned McGrath described it as the changing complexion of the Catholic Church.
"There are more Hispanic Catholics here today than 25 or 50 years ago, and some of those Hispanic churches are booming," he said.
"Ethnic participation is so hopeful for the future of the church. It is meant to reflect the diversity of the church."
Paulete McCracken, 38, of Detroit represented three generations at the service. She attended with her daughter, Payton, 5; her mother, Ina McCracken; and twin sister, Pauleta McCracken.
"It was important that we attended together today because this celebration shows the Catholic religion has stability," she said. "And I brought my daughter to give her a place where she can go to feel safe and comfortable."
Maida's homily expressed that same sense of security.
"We have experienced loss and disappointment as parishes merge or close, but out of these painful times, the world of evangelization continues in new ways," he said. "We must learn from the past, celebrate the present and look to the future with trust."
Following the service, parishioners dined on catered food inside white tents on the cathedral plaza.