by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OLATHE — It was the first time Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrated Mass for the African Catholic Community of Kansas (ACCK).
But he wasn’t a stranger to the unique traditions included in the liturgy.
“I’ve been to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda,” said the archbishop.
“The joy of the people there and the beauty of our Catholic faith alive in different cultures [is apparent],” he added.
Archbishop McKnight was the main celebrant and homilist at the Nov. 1 African Mass celebrating the ACCK’s fifth anniversary in the archdiocese.
Typically held at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe, this year’s Mass took place in the school gym while the church undergoes a renovation.
Father Maclean Aaku, associate pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood; Father Richard Antwi-Boasiako, associate pastor of Prince of Peace; and Father Nicodemus Yirburee Nongenuor, chaplain of the ACCK, concelebrated.
Father Keith Chadwick was the master of ceremonies. Deacon Mike Denning and Deacon Ramiro Rocha assisted.
The ACCK was created as a ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in July 2019, and it was inaugurated into the archdiocese in November 2021.
The community includes Catholics from several African countries, who share their cultures at monthly Masses by wearing traditional clothing and singing hymns in multiple languages.
Archbishop McKnight said he’s grateful for the ACCK’s presence in northeast Kansas.
“Because those of you of a different culture — as your clothing and your colors make that very vibrantly clear — are a reminder to all of us that the Catholic faith is bigger than any one culture, although many of us in the United States may not always see that,” he said.
The community was excited to be joined by the archbishop and hear about his own experiences in Africa.
“We are happy that the Mass reminded the archbishop of the beautiful memories he had across Africa in the past,” said ACCK president Abiodun Akin.
Akin was also excited to celebrate another year of the ACCK.
“It feels even greater to see that we are growing stronger and better each year,” he said.
The ACCK holds a monthly African Mass on the first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at Prince of Peace. All are welcome to attend.
