ORLANDO  | Dressed in traditional attire representing dozens of countries, third-graders joyfully processed into St. John Vianney Parish in Orlando April 22, 2026, carrying flags representing their cultural heritage.

The annual Heritage Mass, concelebrated by Bishop John Noonan, Father Francisco Ojeda, and Father Romil Aperocho, prominently featured students reading, singing, and praying in different languages.

Before the Mass, Gloria Del Orbe, principal of St. John Vianney Catholic School, described the distinct environment fostered by the multinational Catholic community.

“We see our differences as blessings that enrich our school and parish community,” Del Orbe said. “Let our hearts be filled with emotions of love, empowerment, and gratitude as we continue to build our school and parish where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and loved — a community that truly reflects the heart of Christ.”

During his homily, Bishop Noonan said he could relate to being raised in a bilingual household because he spoke two languages growing up, English and Gaelic. Speaking to the congregation in English and Spanish, Bishop Noonan delivered a message centered on the love of God. “God is love. … When you have God with you, your heart is always full of love.”

At the end of the Mass, Bishop Noonan blessed a Peace Pole donated to the school by the Lady Poverty Fraternity of Secular Franciscans. The pole is covered with the phrase “peace and good” a traditional Franciscan greeting, explained Kathy Ramsey from the Lady Poverty Fraternity. The phrase is written in 10 different languages, representing all the different languages spoken by the     St. John Vianney student body.

By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, April 30, 2026