That often appears in the Mass, where music from these different cultural sources enriches the congregation's prayer. Some hymns of other cultures are part of the church services even in parishes in which a particular ethnic group does not predominate. Last summer I saw the growth of our cultural diversity demonstrated at a Jubilee Justice meeting in Los Angeles, at which 3,200 Catholics met to explore the church's social justice teaching and recommit themselves to work for it. Their presence as church leaders visibly manifested the changed complexion of God's house in the United States. Changes come with challenges and tensions, however.
Some dioceses have parishes that shine as examples of cultural diversity.
We need to hear their stories and learn how they overcame the obstacles which are concomitant to change. We also need to be sure that our church institutions, including our nearly 8,700 schools, colleges and universities, and our thousands of religious education programs, reflect and show appreciation of the church's racial, cultural and linguistic diversity. This impels us to fight racism, which not only is on the increase against African Americans but also has expanded to include discrimination against Hispanics, Asians and people of other ethnic groups. I recall the influence of the charismatic renewal movement on our church. Even those who never attended a charismatic prayer service have been touched by the movement's lively music, expressive prayer and an increased sense of Christian community.