THOROLD, ON - If there is a will, there is a way - even when it comes to holding a busy catholic mass during nationwide self-isolation when gatherings of 100 people or more are prohibited in the province.
Father Rico Passero of St. Josephs church in Grimsby is living proof of that.
Inspired by a fellow priest from Milan, Italy, he printed the photographs from his parish directory and taped them to their usual spot in the Grimsby church.
“It is a way of keeping us close to Jesus when he calls us to not fear,” Passero told Thorold News.
Families not yet in the parish directory sent him pictures to add to the line-up of church goers in the 500-strong collection of photographs.
Passero says he is holding one mass per day, livestreaming on social media so anyone who wishes can join in.
The initiative has gained a lot of attention in the church community online - but father Passero says this is not a viral stunt.
“It is not about notoriety. It is a thing that keeps us together. After all of this is done, each family will get their picture to take home,” he said.
Passero urges everyone to follow the advice of medical professionals, not panic-buy groceries and help the vulnerable and those in need.
“We have people on standby in the parish, myself included, to help if someone calls for assistance with groceries or what they might need,” he said.
- ThoroldNews.com/Village Media
