April 8, 2025

Bishop Byrne celebrates Pink Mass for those affected by cancer

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop William D. Byrne celebrated the Pink Mass, Saturday, April 5 at 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. The annual Pink Mass is held for those who have been affected by cancer.

“The Pink Masses are our annual Mass to pray with for those who have cancer and for those who care for them. Whose life has not been touched by cancer? We all are,” said Bishop Byrne.

“It’s an important way for us to bring the healing touch of Christ through the Mass and then through the anointing of the sick,” he said.

Following the Mass, the bishop administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, a person does not have to be near death to receive the sacrament. And while the desired effect is physical healing “If it be God’s will,” the primary effect is spiritual healing.   

“I had breast cancer twice. The first time was 2009. I was working at Mercy Hospital and I got very good care. It was found on mammogram so it was very early. I went through five years of an oral medication and treatments of radiation,” said Mary Ann Arnold, a parishioner at St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish. Arnold was also the lector for the Mass.

Mary Ann Arnold, a cancer survivor, was the lector for the Pink Mass, held at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield, April 5.

She said a year after she stopped her treatment, the cancer came back.

“And then it was discovered again in my other breast. Because it was found early I was very fortunate. I can’t stress enough mammograms,” she said, adding that her faith is an important part of her recovery.

“I think God is all the source of life. Along our lives we hit bumps, things happen. To remember that source of life and to gather as a people, we need to support one another,” she said.

Many other cancer survivors were in attendance including Maryann Brooks, who also battled breast cancer.

“I fought for two years. I’m a survivor,” said Brooks, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Springfield “I wouldn’t have gotten through the past year without my faith, with me being sick and my mom being sick, it’s the faith that got me through,” she said.

Because the Mass was a Jubilee Year event held at St. Michael’s Cathedral, a designated sacred site, those in attendance could receive a plenary indulgence. Pilgrims will receive an indulgence after receiving Holy Communion, going to confession and praying for the pope’s intentions.

For a video version of this story, tune into an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” the Diocese of Springfield’s weekly television newsmagazine that airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.