The Virgin Mary is surrounded by flags from numerous countries Sunday, October 9 at the International Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Summerfield. Bishop John Noonan presided with concelebrants Rev. Rafal Kandora, OSPPE, pastor; and Rev. Dominik Libiszewski, OSPPE, Parochial Vicar. Assisting were Deacon John Rumplasch and Deacon Roger Gallagher. Guided by the theme – “United in Gratitude” – lectors read in Polish, Filipino, Nigerian, Cantonese, Spanish, Indonesian, French, German, Old Irish, Slovakian, and Italian. Five continents were represented with countries from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. More than 100 volunteers made the event possible. After Mass there was a reception in the Parish Hall where home-made desserts with many international recipes were served. ((JOSEPH QUATTROCCHI))