WORSHIPPERS from all over the world dressed in their national costumes and prayed together during an international mass for Pentecost held at St Patrick’s Church in Lliswerry, Newport.

The church was hung with brightly coloured flags of different nations in preparation for the service last Sunday on June 8.

Around 500 parishioners with roots in Bengal, Spain, India, Slovakia, Nigeria, Poland, Peru, China, Egypt, Romania, Ireland, Wales and many other parts of the world joined together for the annual service.

Before the Catholic mass began, Irish parishioner Emma Coulthard sang the Welsh song ‘Calon Lan’.

There was then a procession into the church with a representative of each nationality. As the procession arrived at the altar, each person welcomed the congregation in their own language.

Bidding prayers were read in all the different languages and children then came to the altar carrying white doves they had crafted.

After the mass, the congregation sampled different national dishes.

Sue Bell, parish correspondent for the church, said: “At Pentecost, traditionally, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. However at St Patrick’s Church we also celebrate the great cultural diversity of the families within our parish.

“The level of enjoyment is easily measured by the volume of the singing and the last hymn, ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands’ accompanied by clapping, almost raised the roof.”