A number of SA national holidays such as Founder’s day, Settlers Day and Shaka Day were incorporated into a day honouring and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures, nations, languages and traditions that make up our Rainbow Nation. It is not a religious holiday but could be very enriching to celebrate in Church and at home, thanking God for our uniqueness and asking for his help in overcoming the conflict resulting from the divisions between us.
It is probably more common to focus on the cultural side of our heritage than on the religious side and so it is a good opportunity to focus on the religious aspect especially as more than half of Catholics are married to someone from another denomination and even amongst Catholics the Portuguese have different traditions from German or Zulu Catholics etc.
Marriage between Christians and Jews, Muslims or Hindus is not as common but this day provides us with an opportunity to share with other families, neighbours, school or work colleagues something of each other’s heritage.

A CELEBRATION

A paraliturgy held at home or in prayer groups could include appropriate scripture readings, songs, prayers and activities.
SCRIPTURE READINGS.  Genesis 11.  The story of the Tower of Babel.   Explain that this myth, or origin story is not necessarily a true historical fact but a religious truth about pride and selfishness causing division.
Isaiah 11:6-9   The prophet presents a picture of a return to paradise when all the nations are united under God through the work of the Messiah.  
SONGS - The focus is not really on justice or healing but rather on celebration so we could sing songs or hymns from different traditions including national anthems and folk songs.

ACTIVITIES

HOME - Make a family tree going back as far as anyone can remember showing where in the world the family members came from. Research some of the cultures and religious traditions of different family members. Look at art and listen to music and stories.
Share these activities with other families.
PARISH: Without disrupting the liturgy of the day on the Sunday before or after 24th September invite different cultural groups to present something of their traditions. A suitable display of pictures and posters could be used. Involve children’s groups - e.g. catechism classes. Offer prayers for unity and peace. Invite parishioners from different backgrounds to pray the Our Father in different languages.
SCHOOL - Have a Heritage week inviting groups from different backgrounds to share their traditions with regard to costume, food, music, dancing, art, etc. and have a special component on the religious traditions of different groups. Encourage the children to take what they have learned home too.
For assembly - Choose a theme e.g. birth, marriage or death and share any traditions around this event. Use the Tower of Babel story and explain its purpose. Pray the Our Father in different languages.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You created one human family but our selfishness led to division between the nations.
To bring us back to You Jesus prayed, “Father I pray that they may be one, as You and I are one.”
Today as we celebrate our different heritages

we pray that within our homes, parishes, the whole Church and the world
the diversity of all the people
will enrich our experience rather than narrow our vision,
will deepen our understanding rather than ignore what divides us
so that we can recognise You present in every one from every background
and together work for peace and harmony.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.