Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish at 8:30am
PRESS RELEASE
March 16, 2023
CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications; (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org
The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in East Palestine (210 E Main Street) on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 8:30am. Our Lady of Lourdes Church was in the original evacuation zone after the February 3 train derailment, and has served as a location for the distribution of water and other needed products, as well as the host of a February 18 community meal. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown has provided support to the parish in its efforts during the disaster.
Bishop Bonnar comments, “I am looking forward to celebrating Mass with the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the people of East Palestine. I want to thank Father David Misbrener and parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and also Saint Jude Parish in Columbiana, for all they have done in the aftermath of the train derailment. They have truly radiated the light of Jesus in a time of darkness. I also want to pledge the continued support of the diocese and Catholic Charities in these efforts. During the past month, my daily prayers have included petitions for East Palestine, written by parishioners throughout the diocese who included the prayers in their mailed contributions for our Annual Appeal. This has been a reminder to me of the power of community and prayer, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Mass with the community this weekend.”
