One World Festival: One Parish, One Mission United in Christ
On September 20, 2026, the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in White Plains, New York, celebrated its annual One World Festival under the theme: “One Parish, One Mission United in Christ.”
The celebration began with Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Raul Miquez, a Cuban priest who served in the parish 15 years ago and is currently the Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York. In his homily, Fr. Miquez thanked the parish for organizing such a beautiful event at a time when there is so much division in society. He encouraged parishioners from different countries, languages, cultures, and traditions to work together and live in unity.
Fr. Miquez observed that differences in language, customs, expectations, and ways of expressing faith can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or create barriers to fully living the Gospel. At the same time, he emphasized that these differences can become gifts that enrich the mission of the Church when embraced with openness and mutual respect.
The Holy Mass was celebrated in both English and Spanish, with Scripture readings and prayers of intercession proclaimed in various languages representing the diverse communities of the parish, including the Philippines, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Kenya, and Cameroon.
For the past five years, the parish has maintained the beautiful tradition of celebrating the unity and diversity of its people. The annual One World Festival remains one of the most visible expressions of the parish’s commitment to building a community where different races, cultures, and nations come together as one family in Christ.
The Mill Hill Missionaries in North America continue to witness to the missionary spirit of the Gospel in diverse communities and cultural settings. In White Plains, the Mill Hill team—Fr. Domingo Arnaiz and Fr. Richard Njoroge—work together to build a welcoming parish where Christ is known, loved, and served.
The celebration concluded with a joyful gathering featuring traditional meals from different countries, music, cultural dances, and artistic presentations. The festival strengthened friendships among parishioners and fostered a vibrant missionary community united in faith and nourished by the Eucharist.
Fr Anthony Ndichia, MHM
Hartsdale, New York, USA
