Church universal

An interesting experience of a multipolar world today. I went to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as West Church 西堂, for their French language mass. I arrived a little early, in time to see a Chinese wedding party spill out and on to the steps for the inevitable group photo.

The mass itself was festive, with a glorious choir singing hymns in a dozen African languages - as well as Latin, French, Chinese and even English - to organ and hand drums! A gaunt old white French priest officiated, the congregation looking to hail from all continents.

Meanwhile, an American friend teaching in Rome this summer tells me that at the mass he went to there the priest was Chinese!