Cultural Events

September – San Lorenzo Mass

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and the Filipino Catholic Community celebrate the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino martyr and saint, each year with a special Mass. San Lorenzo Ruiz was a layman, husband and father born in Binondo, Manila, around 1600.

September – National Migration Week

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is a microcosm of the rich diversity that makes up the United States. This diversity is the result of various and continuous waves of immigration throughout its history that enriches the Catholic Church. Learn more about our Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees efforts here.

September – Interfaith Prayer Service

At the Inter-Religious Prayer Service, which takes place during National Migration Week, we gather together with leaders and faithful of various religious traditions to pray for the needs of migrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking.

September/October – Hispanic Heritage Month

We celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor Hispanic Americans’ rich history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It all started in 1968 when U.S. Rep. George E. Brown from California pioneered the idea of Hispanic Heritage Week. Read about the National Hispanic Heritage Month Mass.

November – Black Catholic History Month

Black Catholic History Month is a time when our church in the United States celebrates the rich history and proud heritage of Black Catholics and the many and important contributions that African and African-Americans have made and continue to make to our church. More information can be found here. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington hosts an annual celebration of Black Catholic History Month every November.

November –  Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is also known, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people, according to the National Congress of American Indians. More information can be found here.

December – Walk with Mary

The Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach sponsors The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s annual Walk with Mary celebration honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. This celebration begins with a procession that leaves from the Shrine of the Sacred Heart and concludes at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with a Rosary and a Mass. More information here.

January – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington hosts an annual Mass celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. each year in January. We remember and honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and recommit ourselves to work for social justice for all of God’s people.

February – Black History Month

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington hosts an annual Mass celebrating Black History Month in February. This is a celebration that commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history. More information can be found here.

February – National Day of Prayer for the African American Family

The National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family was established by Fr. James Goode, OFM in 1989. This is a day dedicated to our communities to stand together in solidarity with our African American and African brothers and sisters, to express gratitude to God for our families, and to entrust all our concerns to Jesus. You can download a copy of the resource aid by clicking here.

March – The Feast of St. Oscar Romero

Pope St. Paul VI named Oscar Romero archbishop of San Salvador in 1977. St. Oscar Romero was an outspoken advocate for the poor, for justice, and for peace in his native land. He regularly spoke out against the violence of the military regime and delivered weekly radio sermons that were considered some of the most trustworthy sources of news. “The mission of the Church is to identify with the poor…thus the Church finds its salvation.” – St. Oscar Romero. More information here.

April – Feast of St. Pedro Calungsod

St. Pedro Calungsod, also known as Peter Calungsod or Pedro Calungsod, is a young Roman Catholic Filipino Saint. He was a migrant, sacristan, and missionary catechist, who along with the Spanish Jesuit missionary, Diego Luis de San Vitores, suffered religious persecution and martyrdom in Guam for their missionary work in 1672. More information here.