April 18, 2025

Bishop Byrne featured speaker at Berkshire Lenten Mission

REGIONAL
By David Martin

PITTSFIELD- Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne opened up the Berkshire Lenten Mission by offering a talk at Sacred Heart Parish in Pittsfield Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Father Christopher Malatesta, the newly named vicar general for the Diocese of Springfield introduced Bishop Byrne who wanted to engage those attending in an open discussion, since Pope Francis has called for a continued synod  in this Jubilee Year.

“We celebrate this opportunity of joy every 25 years. But also the pope this year has said we’re going to have a Jubilee of Hope, and how do we bring hope to a world that does not know it? How do we bring hope to people that have been away from God? And so, this was an opportunity for us to share those ideas and how the Holy Spirit is calling each one of us to do just that,” the bishop said.

“I was so excited that so many people were very responsive to share their thoughts and how God is working in their lives, but also the concerns and the challenges they face,” he continued.

Bishop Byrne along with the others waited in quiet for the Holy Spirit to inspire someone to speak. Those attending had many concerns about getting more people to attend church and to feel more welcome there. Others expressed concerns for those who have left the church or have not come back after the pandemic. Father Malatesta and Father Brian McGrath, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Lee, also took part in the discussion. He said it was encouraging that Bishop Byrne wanted to hear the opinions and suggestions of others and waited in silence for them to speak up. He said it proved bishop holds the voices of those in his diocese in high regard.

Father McGrath told IObserve his focus is evangelization.

“How do we reach out? How do we meet people where they are? How do we overcome some of the feelings of shame or anger or frustration, overcome some of the untruths? I know as a parish priest, we need the help of our people. If it is just left on us, it is going to fall way short. We need to try to get people to volunteer with baptismal prep and welcoming young families into our church communities and so many other ministries in which we can be together as a church,” said Father McGrath.

John Hernandez, a parishioner at St. Charles Parish in Pittsfield, moved from Columbia to the United States seven years ago. Since then, he has become stronger in his faith and wants to share that with others. He said he thought it would be a great opportunity for the community to have this type of contact with their Shepard. Several area priests were also available for the sacrament of reconciliation, which Hernandez said is very special to him.

“It is not only about forgiveness but the reparation. What are you going to do after that to be better for our families as a father or son, how can I be a better person after this confession today,” said Hernandez.

Hernández said with all the concern over people not attending church and church closings, having dialog like the event with the bishop is a way to find solutions. A prayer service also took place afterwards.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.