The Religious Education Congress (RECongress) in Los Angeles witnessed a historic moment this year as hundreds attended the first-ever Arabic-language Mass in the event’s 70-year history, marking a powerful celebration of cultural identity, unity, and faith within the Catholic Church.
First Arabic Mass Becomes a RECongress Landmark
Held on 21 February 2026, the Arabic Mass was celebrated by Father Ala Musharbash, chaplain of the Arab American Catholic Community (AACC) based at St. Joseph Church in Pomona, California.
Founded in 1989, the AACC includes an estimated 6,000 families with roots in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, reflecting the deep richness of Arab Catholic tradition in the United States.
Bilingual Liturgy Engages Worshippers Across Cultures
The Mass blended Arabic and English, offering a deeply spiritual experience for both Arab-speaking faithful and the wider congress community:
- The Gospel was proclaimed in English
- Key prayers—Confiteor, readings, consecration—were recited in Arabic
- On-screen pronunciation guides helped all attendees sing and pray together
- Organizers emphasized that Arabic is linguistically close to Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, adding emotional and historical weight to the celebration
Icon of Our Lady of the Holy Land Honors Cultural Identity
A prominent icon of Our Lady of the Holy Land—depicting Mary in Palestinian dress and Jesus wearing a traditional keffiyeh—was placed on the altar.
The icon, blessed in 2025 by Archbishop José H. Gómez, served as a symbolic bridge between faith, heritage, and the longing for peace.
Homily Highlights Trust, Hope and Peace for the Middle East
In his homily, Father Musharbash urged the faithful to:
- Trust God in moments of weakness
- Recognize that Christ calls every heart, regardless of struggle
- Pray fervently for peace across the Middle East
- Place hope not in politics, but in God’s mercy and healing
His message resonated deeply with a community carrying generational stories of conflict, migration, and perseverance.
A Testament to the Universal Catholic Church
The Arabic Mass at RECongress 2026 stands as a landmark event, showcasing the:
- Unity of global Catholic communities
- Diversity of worship traditions
- Strength of multicultural faith expression
- Commitment of the Church to inclusion and representation
This historic celebration not only honored the Arab American Catholic community but also reaffirmed the universal and welcoming nature of the Church in the United States and beyond.