All nationalities welcome to International Mass in Lurgan which aims to celebrate the congregation's wonderful diversity

Taking place at St Peter’s Church in the Co Armagh town, this special liturgy celebrates the multi-national aspect of the local congregation and follows on from a very successful International Mass last year.

After several days of disturbances across NI, Parish Priest Fr Colum Murphy, commenting on the timing, said the Mass was organised months ago and was inspired from the success of the event last year.

All are invited to the International Mass which will be celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin on Sunday at 12pm (Noon).

It will be a colourful display and will feature representatives from various nationalities wearing traditional costumes led by Irish dancers. Various choirs are also taking part.

The parish has a huge multi-cultural congregation including Polish, East Timor, Indian and African, as well as Irish.

Those attending are encouraged to wear their national dress and sign the "Welcome" sheet at the back of the church in their native language.

Afterwards there will be light refreshments with international dishes being served in the parish hall after the service.

"We’ve asked the different communities to bring their own flavour to it,” said Fr Murphy.

“Everyone is very welcome from all the different communities that we have in Lurgan. People are more than welcome to come and celebrate the diversity of our town,” said the Parish Priest.

Anyone who is bringing food to the event is asked to drop it off at the Parish Hall next to St Peter’s Chapel before Mass begins.