On October 28-30, the African Commission of the Diocesan of Buffalo will sponsor a retreat and thanksgiving bazaar at Holy Cross Church, 345 7th St., Buffalo. The retreat will be held Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6-9 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 30, following a 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop Richard J. Malone, there will be bazaar until 3 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The featured speaker at the retreats will be Father Anthony Mario Ozele from Nigeria. Father Ozele is the founder and spiritual director of Catholic World Evangelical Outreach Orerokpe (Nigeria), a group that aims to support parishes with challenges in evangelization. On Friday, Father Ozele will speak about understanding the mercy of God and on Saturday, he will address sharing the mercy of God.

There also will be break out sessions each night, confession, anointing, and music by the African Choral Group, Our Lady of Hope African Choir and Heart of Jesus Christ choral group, all of whom will also perform on Sunday.

Sunday's program begins with 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop Malone. A silent auction and taste of Africa buffet follow Mass.

Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Mother Teresa Home, a home for mothers and their babies, and a South Sudan parish.

For more information, contact the Office of Cultural Diversity at 847-2217.