The media outlets are full of tragic, disheartening news at the moment. The world is in a difficult place; wars, climate change, refugee crisis.

It feels like our global family and individual communities are going through a very difficult moment. It is relatively easy to feel deflated and hopeless.

I often wonder whether it is when we face the cross, using the Christian terminology, when we feel powerless and unable to carry on, we need to come together, find courage to embrace the suffering and comfort each other.

Michal SiewniakMichal Siewniak (Image: Courtesy of Michal Siewniak) It is so important to seek even the smallest glimpse of light in our darkest hours.

This is how I felt after attending our latest, annual Polish English Mass, which brought together from all nationalities and sections of our community. It really was an incredible family moment.

Large numbers of residents come together to pray, sing, dance, eat, drink and have fun. The mass itself was a beautiful thing to witness, so needed today, of unity in diversity with plenty of opportunities to share and network.

It was wonderful to see so many parishioners from other minority backgrounds attending our annual Polish English Mass and taking an active part in our celebrations. It was great to see a former Mayor Cllr Barbara Fitzsimon, and the current Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Cllr Frank Marsh.

Ania Skiba said: "What a beautiful way of celebrating the Polish community but also of sharing our culture, traditions and heritage with the wider community on Saturday night.

"I was proud to share the Polonez dance, which is one of the oldest, traditional dances, and I was happy to see that everyone who was there enjoyed it.

"Having so many people joining in made it really special. Regardless where you’re from, what’s your background and faith, we can all unite and have a good time together.

"Organising this event gave me great satisfaction and it was an inspiration to show how wonderful, vibrant and talented our community is. Huge thanks to all who contributed to make this event so memorable."

Frank Marsh added: "It was a great pleasure for me as mayor to attend the Polish Mass and party afterwards. A truly special occasion with fabulous people, fantastic Polish food and Polish traditional dancing.

"This is a great example of a community coming together, who have integrated and brought other cultures together and displayed their own values and culture in a beautiful way."

Canon Father Norbert Fernandes concluded: "'Joy' is the word I'd use to describe Saturday's celebration.

"There was real delight as friends and families gathered and new bonds were created with visitors and those from a huge variety of cultures, languages and backgrounds. 

"'Joy' as we sampled delicious food, knocked back a glass or two and danced following the leader! 'Joy' in encountering God's compassionate love revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ, who was at the heart of the Mass.

"God's eyes seeing the very best. God's hands outstretched in welcome. The call to us to follow in Christ's footsteps.

"All these gifts spilled over into the party. 'Joy' as adults and children moved on at the end filled with deep, resonating happiness."