Three years ago, a dinner with Father Alejandro Rodriguez Artola led to creating a French-speaking Catholic group and the celebration of a mass in French once a month. It was like a spark between a need for many living here and Father Alejandro who speaks French, thanks to several years living in France and Belgium.
Father Alejandro was born in Miami as his parents decided in 1960 to not return to Havana after Christmas break. He has been Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle since August 2013 and he is particularly attached to the parish and school as he was baptized there and attended school from first to eighth grade.
Before priesthood, Father Alejandro studied classical dance in Boston and New York. He then joined “Ballet Royal de Wallonie” (Belgium) and “Ballet du Nord” in Roubaix, France. He was sharing his time between the north of France but also Paris and Aix-en-Provence. For three years he attended mass every day and one time, following a retreat, he felt a special connection and knew he wanted to enter the seminary. He says he feels a strong bond between his life in France and the masses he now celebrates here.
To him, helping develop the French speaking Catholic group gave answers and a whole new meaning to his time spent in France, like the completion of a circle.
There are many French-speaking Catholics in Miami — French, Belgians, Swiss, Canadians, Haitians as well as Americans, Cubans, Spanish and many others who have been keeping special links with this language. Francophones and Francophiles wishing to attend are very much welcome at St Thomas the Apostle, 7377 SW 64 St. in South Miami, the first Saturday of the month, at 7 p.m., from October until June. The mass is followed by an “aperitif” where all bring finger foods and drinks, children play, adults socialize and bonds strengthen.
It is an opportunity to celebrate and share faith in a new way and shine with your talent if you like to sing or read in French. A specific 20-minute session of sharing and explanation of the Gospel takes place during mass for the children ages 6-10.
This group also shares spiritual highlights (retreats, prayer groups), and social events (Christmas, Candlemas, Easter, etc.) and it aims at getting involved with the life of the parish.
The first celebration is Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
For more information, call 305-665-5600 or visit www.stamiami.org.
