The Romanian Diaspora Festival was held on Saturday in Chelsea, Canada, near the capital. His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian offered his blessing to participants and emphasized the importance of organizing such events.
“Today, through this festival, we give voice to the joy of being together. We remember Romania not as a geographic location but as a state of heart and soul. Here, in the songs, in the traditional costumes, in the traditional dishes, in the children’s play, in the tears of the elderly and in the smiles of the youth, Romania is reborn,” said Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada at the festival’s opening.
His Grace reminded those gathered that Romanians in Canada, though far from their homeland, unite under the banner of unity in diversity.
“We gather under this banner of unity in diversity, love for our people, and the awareness that we are a living part of a shared history. We are Romanians in Canada, but we carry the same roots, prayers, and values in our hearts.”
“Let us never forget who we are, where we come from, and Who has kept us together throughout history. Let us be a light for our children, teach them to be proud of being Romanian and Christian, teach them to say the Our Father in the language of their parents, and to sing ‘Awaken, Romanian!’ not only during official festivities but also in their everyday lives,” was the Bishop’s final exhortation.
A Celebration That Eases Longing
Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, Director with responsibilities of Secretary of State within the Department for Romanians Abroad, conveyed in a letter to the Romanian community in Canada:
“For those far from home, such a celebration highlights the Romanian spirit and eases the pain of longing.”
“The preservation of Romanian traditions and customs, which strengthens our cultural belonging, plays a vital role in building a strong community marked by mutual understanding, faith, and care for one another,” emphasized Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu.
The Department congratulated the organizers and assured them of continued support for future events.
The festival is a traditional open-air celebration that features poetry recitals, folk dances, Romanian folk music, and traditional dish preparation.
The Romanian Diaspora Festival, now in its sixth edition, was organized by the “Nativity of the Mother of God” Parish in Gatineau and the “Junimea Română” School in Montreal.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Canada
