September 24, 2011

‘Pink Mass’ and ‘Survivor’s Celebration of Hope’ to offer prayers and funds in battle against cancer

REGIONAL

By Terence Hegarty
iobserve file photo

SPRINGFIELD – Hundreds who have been touched by cancer in one way or another are planning to fight back in a prayerful, joyful way by celebrating what they are calling a “Pink Mass” at St. Michael’s Cathedral here at 4 p.m. on Oct. 8.

Local residents and members from a variety of cancer support agencies plan to attend to pray for cancer survivors. They will also remember in prayer any loved ones who have passed away following their fight with the disease.

The Mass will be recorded and broadcast the following morning at 10 a.m. on WWLP-22NEWS as part of the weekly diocesan program “The Chalice of Salvation.”

Following the liturgy, participants are to gather for a 6 p.m. “Survivor’s Celebration of Hope” reception where food, entertainment and fund-raising will be plentiful. The dinner will be held at the Springfield Lodge of Elks (61) on Tiffany Street.

Organizers say that, while they are capitalizing on the publicity surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Oct. 8 events are designed to help and honor those who have been affected by any type of cancer.

The funds raised will be disbursed to five participating agencies; The American Cancer Society, the Cancer House of Hope, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Rays of Hope Foundation and the Mercy Medical Center’s Sister Mary Caritas Cancer Center.

According to The American Cancer Society, more than 745,000 men and 692,000 women are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S.

The effort was started by a Springfield-based grassroots committee late last winter. The Celebration of Hope of Western Mass Committee is comprised of more than a dozen local individuals who have been touched by cancer in some way.

Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi will be the principal celebrant of the Mass and will deliver the homily. Father Siniscalchi, a Springfield native who grew up attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in the city, was ordained last May. Nearly all those participating in the Mass, from deacons, to readers, to altar servers, have battled cancer themselves.

“Cancer has affected nearly everyone in one manner or another,” said Springfield resident and committee member Gary Berte. He noted that many who have not personally battled cancer have known and loved someone who has. “We don’t want anybody sitting on the side lines,” he said. “If they want an opportunity to help, this is it.”

Berte, who is a cancer survivor himself, told iobserve that his faith helped him immeasurably in his battle with the disease. He believes there is great power in getting people together to support each other.

“This will be a unique opportunity for people to pray, celebrate life and support several agencies that assist those with cancer,” Berte said.

Organizers said that the term “Pink Mass” was chosen because the diocese already has an annual Red Mass (coming up on Oct. 16) for legal professionals, and a Blue Mass (which will be Nov. 5) for public safety personnel. Organizers said that, even though the “Pink Mass” will be a Catholic liturgy, people of all faiths are encouraged to attend.

Berte said that committee members expect to have several hundred participate in the events. “Hopefully this will be the first of many; we hope this becomes an annual event.

To purchase tickets or to donate, email PinkMass@yahoo.com or log onto Facebook.com/PinkMass2011.