In the spirit of keeping alive Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of unity, the Diocese of Beaumont is planning a celebration of its many cultures.

The multicultural celebration will kick off with a Mass that illustrates the numerous different cultures who call the Southeast Texas home. The annual commemorative celebration of MLK’s birthday will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Beaumont, 4445 Avenue A.

The Mass will include youth from across the diocese carrying the flags of approximately 10 different nations, the prayer of the faithful or intercessions will be read in seven different languages, and the choir will be represented by individuals of several different ethnicities. Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, S.V.D., will celebrate the Mass.

Mass will be followed by a reception in the parish hall with cuisine from a variety of cultures. During the reception, a diocesan youth will read MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” a classic document of the civil rights movement written 50 years ago.

The Diocese of Beaumont’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemoration is open to all, and there is no cost to attend.

“Martin Luther King’s whole focus was for equality for everybody,” Linda LaCour, director of the diocesan Office of African American Ministry, said. “This event is to try to move us in the direction of the unity he hoped for the Nation.”

For more information, call the Diocese of Beaumont Office of African American Ministry at (409) 924-4325 or visit setxcatholic.org.