On Sunday, October 25, 2026, parishioners from different Catholic communities across Laval gathered at Divino Amore community for a special intercultural afternoon entitled "United in Diversity".
Building upon last year's pilgrimage that brought together the parishes of Laval, this gathering offered another opportunity to continue our journey together. This time by discovering the richness of the cultures, traditions, and experiences that make up our Catholic community.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome as participants gathered together, greeted one another, and began conversations with people from different parishes and cultural backgrounds.
Through simple introductions and opportunities to share where they came from, participants discovered both the diversity of their experiences and the many things they held in common.
Alba, a parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus, was particularly struck by:
"The ease with which we can speak somewhat freely among strangers."
What began as an unfamiliar interactive experience gradually became an enjoyable opportunity to encounter others, exchange stories, and build connections.
Following the opening gathering, participants were divided into smaller groups and invited to journey through six interactive workshops.
Each workshop explored a different aspect of cultural identity: national flags, traditional foods, stereotypes and prejudices, hospitality, meaningful cultural objects, and religious celebrations.
Rather than simply listening to presentations, participants were encouraged to interact, share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.
Four parishioners from Holy Name of Jesus - Rosalynn, Philip, Jean-Pierre, and Marie - also contributed to the afternoon by helping lead workshops.
Rosalynn, who helped facilitate conversations about religious celebrations, was particularly moved by the openness of the participants.
"From the beginning of the activity there was a genuine openness in the room—people listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and seemed truly eager to learn rather than simply 'compare' traditions."
Through these conversations, participants discovered that even when their customs and celebrations differed, they often shared the same values of faith, family, gratitude, and community.
For Alba, one of the most meaningful discoveries was recognizing how much people from different cultures have in common.
"Despite the cultural differences, many customs are shared across the board. The way we welcome our family and friends into our homes. How we treat our seniors. The importance of food. The importance of Faith."
Marie, who also helped lead a workshop, noticed the enthusiasm with which people shared their traditions and experiences.
"Everyone genuinely wanted to share. The stories, invariably filled with joy, illuminated people's faces with spontaneous smiles."
These exchanges reminded participants that, beyond our different traditions and backgrounds, we share many of the same hopes, values, and desires for community.
After journeying through the workshops, participants gathered once again for a concluding moment of prayer, celebrating the uniqueness of each person and the faith that unites us.
Although we come from different countries, cultures, languages, and parishes, we are all members of the same Body of Christ.
Reflecting on the afternoon, Rosalynn shared:
"It was a reminder that unity in diversity is not an idea we only talk about—it’s something we can practice and share together through dialogue."
The afternoon reminded us that building community begins with simple gestures: greeting someone new, listening to another person's story, and being willing to discover the beauty in our differences.
As we continue our journey together as Catholic parishes across Laval, may these encounters inspire us to build stronger friendships, welcome one another with open hearts, and grow together in faith.
United in diversity, united in Christ.
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