Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

It is the third Saturday of the month, and a diverse community of Africans, Haitians, and others gather for the monthly African Community Mass. Known for its lively music, drum beats, and colorful attire, this gathering provides a sense of refuge while maintaining cultural traditions in worship.

Father Emmanuel Akalue, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Casselberry, announced that the African Mass will return to Casselberry on June 15. This parish was a central location for the Mass until it was disrupted by the COVID pandemic.

In response to an influx of African and Caribbean immigrants in the early 2000s, then-Bishop Thomas Wenski initiated an African Community Mass in 2008 with Father Emmanuel Akalue leading the effort. The service paused during COVID but resumed in late 2024, gradually regaining attendance.

Before COVID-19 restrictions, more than 200 people attended these monthly gatherings which feature traditional music in various languages, African instruments, special offerings, and birthday celebrations.

Kelechi Oparaji recalls being actively involved from the start. Coming from a family supportive of church building efforts, he eagerly took on roles such as choir master and sacristan. He also published bulletins and recently launched a new website for the ministry. One cherished memory is his daughter's Baptism at the inaugural Mass.

Father Stephen Ogonwa from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Candler joined later. A seminary friend of Father Akalue from Nigeria's Diocese of Seluku, he became "a strong force" within the community.

"For me the African Mass is so special," said Father Ogonwa. "Coming to this African Mass I get to know my people well and I minister to them." Despite commuting two hours each way since 2008 unless on vacation, he values participating every month.

The Mass initially took place at St. Augustine Parish in Casselberry for ten years until post-COVID unavailability led to relocation efforts urged by Bishop John Noonan. It briefly moved to St. Rose of Lima in Poinciana where Father Akalue served but proved difficult to access. In November 2024 after his appointment at Holy Redeemer Parish in Kissimmee; however logistical challenges remained until Nkiru Mbionwu stepped up helping re-establish it there—expressing gratitude despite initial difficulties encountered over time.