As World Cup teams arrive in Texas, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas has launched an initiative to encourage inclusion. "Welcome the World, Welcome the Stranger" started with a Mass at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown Dallas Sunday evening.
As the Mass started, a procession of flags of countries that will play or train in North Texas wound through the cathedral.
"It's the diversity of peoples, nations and cultures. That's the beauty of the nation where we live but also the church, too," says Father Cesar Garcia, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Richardson."Our church is very diverse, and the bishop wants to welcome everyone from all different cultures and nations to hear of the church which is the home for many."
Before the Mass, the bells at the cathedral played the National Anthem.
"We're all brothers and sisters of the same God, and we want to celebrate that as we gather together," Garcia says.
In a statement, Bishop Edward Burns said the World Cup represents a moment that can bring the world together "in a spirit of joy and unity."
"It is my hope that, during your time here, you will experience not only our hospitality, but also the peace that comes from being welcomed as part of one human family," he wrote.
"Welcome the World, Welcome the Stranger" launched Sunday at the cathedral. The diocese described the Mass Sunday night as "an effort to extend hospitality, faith, and community to visitors traveling to North Texas during the international sporting event."
The Diocese of Dallas says parishes are planning a series of events and volunteer opportunities during the World Cup. The organization says parishes will also hold Eucharistic adoration before each match played in the Metroplex.
"Bishop Burns wanted to welcome all those visitors, and as a pastor, he took the initiative to do this opening Mass to welcome all those visitors who are coming to celebrate the game of football," Garcia says. "As a pastor, he wants to make sure everyone's welcome, especially in the local Church of Dallas, so welcoming the world to Dallas."
Information on how to volunteer or find Mass times is available here.
