By Carol Baass Sowa
Today's Catholic, Archdiocese of San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO -- Not even the rising Texas heat could dampen the enthusiasm of those gathered beneath a towering oak in HemisFair Park the morning of Sunday, June 12, to celebrate the return of the multi-ethnic Folklife Mass. Held in conjunction with the 40th annual Texas Folklife Festival taking place on the nearby grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures, the occasion fittingly fell on the Feast of Pentecost.  (Photo copyright: Carol Baass Sowa | Today's Catholic)

Serving as celebrant was Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, with Bishop Charles V. Grahmann, Bishop John W. Yanta and Msgr. Lawrence J. Stuebben as concelebrants. Assisting were deacons Clifford B. Friesenhahn and Agustin Arismendez, with Sister Eilish Ryan, CCVI, and Richard R. Reyna of Guadalupe Radio Network serving as lectors. Ushers were members of Bejar Chapter No. 56 of the Order of Alhambra.

A colorful procession of participants (many dressed in the costumes of their native origins) carried up to the altar flags of 22 of the diverse cultures that make up San Antonio and Texas, placing them in stands encircling the oak. Read Full story >>