On Sunday, October 25, Divino Amore Parish in Laval hosted an intercultural afternoon that brought together families and parishioners from several Laval communities. It was an afternoon of games, sharing, and prayer, continuing the spirit of the pilgrimage they had experienced together.

An Initiative Inspired by the Pilgrimage

The idea emerged within the intercultural group: How could they continue their journey together after the pilgrimage? The answer came naturally: by gathering again, getting to know one another, and discovering the richness of the cultures that make up their parishes.

Over several months, volunteers from Divino Amore, Saint-Léopold, Saint-Ferdinand, Saint-Élie, Sainte-Dorothée, Saint-Théophile, Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, Saint-Martin, and Holy Name of Jesus worked together to prepare the day's activities.

A Warm and Joyful Welcome

From the moment they arrived, participants were warmly welcomed. A few icebreaker games quickly helped everyone feel at ease, and small groups were formed, bringing together people of different ages, languages, and cultural backgrounds.

The tone was set: everyone would have the opportunity to meet someone new.

Six Workshops, One Journey Around the World

Throughout the afternoon, groups moved from one room to another at the sound of a bell, exploring the main hall, the stage area, and the Montessori, Scalabrini, and Padre Pio rooms.

In each space, volunteer facilitators led an interactive workshop focused on a different theme:

• A Dish from My Country: Discovering flavours and culinary traditions.

• An Object That Represents My Country: Sharing objects filled with stories and memories.

• An Important Religious Celebration: Exploring how faith is celebrated around the world.

• Hospitality in My Country: Discovering a shared value expressed in many different ways.

• Stereotypes and Prejudices About My Country: Sometimes sharing a laugh, but above all, learning to move beyond assumptions.

• The Flag of My Country: Exploring its colours and the stories behind them.

These workshops encouraged everyone to participate, share their roots, and listen to others with curiosity and respect.

Sharing Experiences, Prayer, and Fellowship

At the end of the afternoon, everyone gathered in the main hall.

Several participants shared something new they had discovered throughout the day, followed by a moment of communal prayer that brought together different languages and traditions in one shared faith.

The gathering concluded with refreshments and a time of fellowship in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

Diversity: A Strength That Unites Us

Above all, this afternoon brought to life a powerful message: our differences do not divide us; they enrich us and bring us closer together.

Through conversations about food, flags, and religious celebrations, people from around the world, as well as those born and raised here in Quebec, discovered that they had much more in common than they might have imagined.

Beyond the diversity of languages, customs, and traditions, participants recognized in one another the same joys, the same sense of belonging, and the same faith.

Every culture, every story, and every experience brings something unique to our community.

The workshops on hospitality and stereotypes illustrated this beautifully. When we take the time to listen, preconceived ideas begin to fade, making room for curiosity, understanding, and mutual respect.

We also discover that welcoming others, a value deeply rooted in so many cultures, lies at the very heart of the Gospel.

For the parishes of Laval, where people from so many different backgrounds come together, diversity is not a challenge to overcome but a gift to embrace.

The Church is Catholic, meaning universal. Each community brings its own colours, traditions, and experiences, and together they form one united Church.

By sharing their cultures, participants offered a part of themselves to others. In doing so, those traditions became something everyone could appreciate and share.

Perhaps this was the most beautiful gift of the afternoon: leaving with a renewed sense that, despite our differences, we are truly united.

Thank You!

The organizers would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, as well as to the volunteers and facilitators from the various parishes of Laval for their wonderful activities.

Thank you to everyone who took part, shared their experiences, and engaged in meaningful conversations.

Alessandra Santopadre
Assistant, Office for Cultural and Ritual Communities
Coordinator, Sponsorship Program for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Archdiocese of Montreal