Swahili Community Mass

On May 4, more than 400 faithful gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Portland for a Holy Mass celebrated with the Swahili-speaking Catholic Community and Archbishop Alexander Sample. The church was filled beyond capacity—standing room only—as members of the parish’s English-speaking, Vietnamese, and African communities came together in prayer and celebration. 

The Mass was organized by the Swahili Community and coordinated by the Parish Pastoral Council. It began with a lively outdoor procession and continued with joyful participation from all three communities. Each choir offered music in its own language and style, accompanied by instruments of their choice, reflecting the cultural richness and shared faith of the parish. 

Concelebrating the Mass were Fr. Paulinus Mangesho, ALCP/OSS; Fr. Nazario Atukunda; Fr. Augustine Manyama, AJ; and Fr. Dominic Mtenga, AJ, with Fr. Randy Hoang serving as Master of Ceremonies. This celebration offered a clear and compelling witness to the unity of our local Church—beautifully diverse, yet firmly united in one faith.