On Jan. 21, Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Del City celebrated the feast day of their namesake and patron saint with their parish and invited visitors.
“This celebration is to give thanks for the intercession of Saint Paul the Apostle, and we look forward to a joyful and happy time together,” Deacon John Page said.
The Mexican Folkloric Dancers of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lawton were invited to perform various dance demonstrations that originated throughout Mexico—representing dances from the states of Jalisco, Veracruz and Panama. In addition, members of the mariachi group performed songs for the audience.
“We are happy to be here,” Chila Chavez, the director of the Mexican Folkloric Dancers, said. “Father Sundar will donate to the seminarians for our performance.”
The Filipino dancers also entertained the church audience with the Firefly dance and other dance routines.
The ladies’ group of Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church was the host of the celebration.
“The ladies held a raffle to help pay for the altar bread, wine, our candles and any special needs of the church or Father Sundar. We also prepped the food yesterday and served the meal today. This celebration means fellowship, and it is a good way for our parish to get together and celebrate Saint Paul, the name of our church,” Linda Odland, president of the ladies’ group at Saint Paul Catholic Church, said.
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him throughout the Roman empire. Many of his writings are contained in the Bible and have influenced the growth and development of the Church since the first century.
Jolene Schonchin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.