September 8, 2022

Bishop Byrne to celebrate Sept. 18 Sunday Mass at the Big E

REGIONAL
Staff report

Bishop William Byrne celebrates Mass at the 2021 Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. (Photo courtesy of Eastern States Exposition)

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne will continue a tradition going back many decades as he celebrates Mass on the grounds of the 2022 Eastern States Exposition (known locally as “The Big E”) in West Springfield on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.

“I want to extend an invitation to one and all in the diocese and beyond, especially families visiting the fair on September 18, to join me for this special liturgy, fulfill your Sunday obligation, and enjoy the Big E all in one day,” Bishop Byrne told The Catholic Mirror. “What better way to start off your visit to the fair then by giving praise to God for the many blessings we enjoy here in New England?”

The venue for the bishop’s Sept. 18 Mass will be inside The Big Top, the new circus tent located near Gate 7.

Eugene Cassidy, CEO of The Big E, echoed Bishop Byrne’s invitation, saying, “It has been our privilege to host Mass at The Big E for more than 40 years. We invite our Catholic community to start their Sunday early at The Big E, join us for Mass in a unique setting, have a delicious breakfast, and then enjoy a full day of Big E fun.”

In addition to the bishop’s Mass on the first Sunday of the fair, Masses will be held on the next two Sundays, also at 10 a.m., in The Big Top. An 8 a.m. Mass for fair workers and vendors also will be offered on each Sunday of the fair in the Storrowton Village Meetinghouse.