Homelands Mass 2010

The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast S.J., Archbishop of Ottawa presided at the Homelands Mass on January 10, 2010. The Homelands Mass is a most original and colourful celebration and features a procession into the Notre Dame Cathedral of traditional costumes and flags.

The Slovak community in Ottawa is not big in numbers, but has just demonstrated its influential presence. Despite community size, which is far below that of Italians, Poles, Chinese, and others, Slovaks for the third year in a row had the largest delegation in national costumes. Many other Slovaks attended the Mass as participants.

The Archdiocese of Ottawa was proud of this year's Homelands ceremony once again. The Archbishop spent much time at the reception that followed in the Cathedral Hall where traditional foods brought in by the different communities were shared among participants.

Father Radoslav Lojan persuaded Archbishop Prendergast to come on January 17 to St. Hyacinth Polish Roman Catholic Church where Slovak masses are held. It is an unprecedented honour for an Archbishop to celebrate Mass with our Ottawa Slovak Community.


Jan George Frajkor, Ottawa

Photos: Michal Lachowicz