First-Ever Arabic Mass Held at 2026 RECongress

The Gospel was proclaimed in English, but several parts of the Mass were spoken in Arabic.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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For the first time in its 70-year history, the annual RECongress event in California hosted an Arabic Mass put on by the Arab American Catholic Community (AACC). The bilingual liturgy featured parts spoken in Arabic, as well as songs and prayers displayed in both English and Arabic. The Mass was celebrated by Father Ala Musharbash, a Jordanian Catholic priest who serves as the AACC chaplain.

Why it matters

The Arabic Mass at RECongress represents an important step in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of the Catholic Church, particularly the Arab American Catholic community. It provides an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural and linguistic traditions of this community and challenge stereotypes about Arab identity.

The details

The Arabic Mass included the Confiteor, the first reading, and the consecration spoken in Arabic, in addition to the Gospel being proclaimed in English. Many of the songs and prayers were displayed on video screens with the words in both English and Arabic, and attendees were given a guide on how to pronounce the Arabic phrases. The icon on the altar featured an image of the Virgin Mary dressed as a Palestinian woman and Jesus wearing a keffiyeh, which was blessed by the local archbishop in 2025.

  • The Arabic Mass took place at the 2026 RECongress event.
  • The Arab American Catholic Community (AACC) has been hosting Masses in Arabic at local churches since 1989.

The players

Father Ala Musharbash

A Jordanian Catholic priest who serves as the chaplain for the Arab American Catholic Community (AACC).

Arab American Catholic Community (AACC)

A community of an estimated 6,000 Catholic families with backgrounds mostly from six Middle Eastern countries: Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt.

Archbishop José H. Gomez

The local archbishop who blessed the icon of the Virgin Mary and Jesus featured on the altar at the Arabic Mass.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank RECongress for giving us this opportunity to show our faith because sometimes, unfortunately, when we think of Arabs, what do we think about?”

— Father Ala Musharbash, Chaplain, Arab American Catholic Community (angelusnews.com)

“So our intention is to show our beautiful Arabic culture and Catholic and Christian culture. We have a very nice, beautiful culture. Maybe it's messed up a little bit with social media and the news. But if you go more deeply, you will find a beautiful culture.”

— Father Ala Musharbash, Chaplain, Arab American Catholic Community (angelusnews.com)

“Something in every human heart is a desire to see the Lord. Many of us carry heavy struggles. Sometimes we feel misunderstood or judged. But the Lord sees us completely and still calls us today. He is not scandalized by our weakness and he sees beyond it. He sees our heart.”

— Father Ala Musharbash, Chaplain, Arab American Catholic Community (angelusnews.com)

“Pray for peace for the whole world, especially for the Middle East, and to end wars and wars and wars because I think the political agreements will not do anything. Believe me, not any president will do anything. Don't trust in any political case, just trust in God.”

— Father Ala Musharbash, Chaplain, Arab American Catholic Community (angelusnews.com)

What’s next

The Arab American Catholic Community will continue hosting Arabic Masses at local churches in Pomona and Redlands, California.

The takeaway

The inclusion of an Arabic Mass at the prominent RECongress event represents an important step in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of the Catholic Church, particularly the vibrant Arab American Catholic community. It challenges stereotypes and provides an opportunity to share the rich cultural and linguistic traditions of this community with a wider audience.