November 20, 2024

Annual Purple Mass held at St. Michael’s Cathedral

REGIONAL
Story and photo by David Martin

The 11th annual Purple Mass was held at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield, Sunday, Nov. 17. The Mass is held to pray for those suffering from dementia and to pray for their caregivers.

SPRINGFIELD-  The 11^th annual Purple Mass, sponsored by the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, took place at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 8:30 a.m.  The Purple Mass was initiated by St. Peter Claver Auxillary member, Joy Danita Allen to spread awareness about those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It was also meant to offer support and prayer for patients, caregivers and family members.

Sharon Harris, the Grand Lady of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver , said the event was started 11 years ago to encourage others who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

“We ask people to come together at this Mass to pray for one another and to let them know that they are not alone. Everyone is going through this walk together so we know the power of prayer. We come together, just one day if nothing else, because we need this and I thank everybody that has come out,” said Harris.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior. The condition progresses gradually. Each year, more than 3 million cases are diagnosed in the United States. Father Sinh Trinh, the parochial vicar at St. Michael’s Cathedral, celebrated the Mass. He led a prayer for those affected by the disease.

“Oh Father, we believe that all those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease will experience your cure. Oh Lord God, may you bless us with a prevention of the disease in all forms. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen,” stated the prayer.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver’s Month. Many attending Mass wore purple attire and ribbons while the altar was also decorated in purple.  Later Harris offered a testimonial about her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s.

“To see this woman, a jack of all trades, she could sing, she could cook, she kept her family together, but as years went on I noticed her slipping away. It is a hard thing to watch for anybody you know and love. I do have a twin sister. She had to come up to me and said ‘which one are you?’ Now you know your mother always knows her children. God gives us the strength to walk through this. His love and mercy is everlasting and my mother had words of wisdom to share even to her last breath,” said Harris.

A breakfast reception was held after Mass in the Bishop Marshall Center.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.