By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — The third annual “Festival of Nations: Celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord” will return in 2025 with more countries, more food, and more entertainment!
Hosted by the Diocese of Lake Charles, the popular family-friendly bilingual event will take place on Saturday, January 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Founders’ Hall. Admission is free.
New this year will be a National Costume Contest, so come dressed to represent your native land. For the first time, the Charismatic Movement, led by Mike Nelson from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center, will participate with their wonderful music and praise during Eucharistic Adoration.
Returning favorites of the celebration will be the Danzantes Guadalupanos and the International Ballet from the Hispanic community at St. Henry Catholic Church, authentic cuisine from 20 different countries, entertainment featuring 10 international dances, and the talent of 7 musicians.
According to tradition, the Three Wise Men (or Three Kings) arrive in Bethlehem from the Far East to meet Jesus Christ, the newborn King of the Jews. The Feast of the Epiphany traditionally marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas. In many U.S. dioceses, the liturgical celebration is transferred to the nearest Sunday, which will be on January 5 in 2025.
“The Three Wise Men left everything behind to follow the star,” said Ricardo Ruvalcaba, Spanish Pastoral Assistant for the Diocese of Lake Charles. “Jesus is our star. We must follow the star like the Three Wise men did.”
Ruvalcaba is organizing the event with Father Rommel Tolentino, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
“The parade and competition of national costumes will be very interesting. The Marian apparitions have taught us that our mother Mary is the best example of appreciating other cultures,” said Ruvalcaba. “It is beautiful to see how she dresses according to each culture and country where she has appeared. For me, Our Lady is the queen of the culture.”
Guests can take their tastebuds on a tour with cuisine from the Philippines, Singapore, Nigeria, France, Honduras, Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, India, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Albania, Saipan, India, Sicilia, Vietnam, and even a mix of Cajun and African American flavor to spice things up.
Entertainment will feature a cultural show including an array of talent, with traditional songs, regional costumes, and traditional dances from countries such as the Philippines, Mexico, France, Nigeria, Venezuela and more.
Following the delicious food, lively entertainment, and festive costume contest, The Three Kings will lead participants in a procession to the church for Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. Children can look forward to receiving toys and candy from The Three Kings at the conclusion of the event.
The “Festival of Nations” will offer families an opportunity to embrace traditions of other countries, but more importantly, to come together to adore the Lord. We hope you can join us for this amazing event that is sure to put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
There will be opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Eucharistic Adoration inside the church.
“We all have different traditions, but we share in one faith, one body, one soul,” said Ruvalcaba. “This is the goal of the first Christians: one soul, one mind, one body. There are a lot of countries, but only one Lord, only one faith.”
All are welcome and encouraged to participate. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church is located at 2031 Opelousas Street in Lake Charles. For more information, call 337-436-8093 or 337-436-7223.
