September 28, 2026

Two-hundred attend the Celebration of Hope Healing Mass

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

Father Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi celebrated a healing Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield, Friday, Sept. 25.

SPRINGFIELD – More than 200 people attended the Celebration of Hope Healing Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. The Mass was dedicated to all those affected by cancer and other illnesses, and their caregivers and loved ones.

“How many times does Jesus say let it be done according to your faith? Your faith has healed you. Jesus came to teach us all that God is not far away,” said Franciscan Father of the Renewal Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi, who celebrated the Mass. The Springfield native and former member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish is superior of the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in South Orange, N.J.

“Jesus said ask and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find…this is the faith brothers and sisters tonight I want you to activate,” he said.

The Celebration of Hope Healing Mass was organized by a committee of volunteers. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, a cancer survivor, was the honorary chair of the event.

“I hope everyone who was able to attend and everyone who joined us via live stream was able to receive inspiration, hope and comfort in whatever challenges they are facing,” said Teresa Recchia, a cancer survivor and one of the organizers. “In our sometimes-dark world, we need to allow and accept some positivity and hope to give strength to deal with these challenges.”

The Celebration of Hope committee poses for a picture following the healing Mass, Friday, Sept. 25.

The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with praise and worship music by Psalm 33 Music Ministry. Then Father Siniscalchi prayed with the congregation, renewing their Baptismal promises. After the 6 p.m. Mass, there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Siniscalchi processed through the church with the Blessed Sacrament.

“I was honored to be part of the healing Mass,” said Angelina Recchia. “It was so inspirational listening to Father Giuseppe and I felt calm and enlightened. It was nice after getting together in the parish center and enjoying everyone’s company,” she said.

A free-will offering was taken to benefit the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. After Mass, prayer teams from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayed over people.

“So I want to encourage all of you to make an act of faith. Shift your attention from your sickness pain, sorrow, anxiety. Shift your attention to the loving God who who died on a cross … God sees you. God hears you. God loves you. He wants to bless you. No matter what is happening in your life right now, no matter what sickness, what difficulty, his love that created the universe, his love that makes all things new wants to touch your heart and transform you,” said Father Siniscalchi.

To watch the Mass, visit celebrationofhopema.org.