St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, celebrates 10th annual Divine Mercy Mass on April 3

LAFLIN — A day filled with events in honor of the Feast of Divine Mercy was held on Sunday, April 3 at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin. It was the 10th anniversary of this celebration at the church.

This year’s celebrant and homilist was The Rev. Pio Mandato, a Franciscan priest and missionary in the Dicese of Scranton who has dedicated his priesthood to giving retreats and offering occasional healing Masses. He was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, and received his First Holy Communion from St. Padre Pio.

Welcoming remarks were made by Cathy Mack, the coordinator of the event.

Principal celebrant and homilist the Rev. Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., delivers his sermon at the 10th annual Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin on Sunday, April 3. The Rev. Mandato is a Franciscan priest and missionary in the Dicese of Scranton who has dedicated his priesthood to giving retreats and offering occasional healing Masses. He was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, and received his First Holy Communion from St. Padre Pio.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_7.jpgPrincipal celebrant and homilist the Rev. Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., delivers his sermon at the 10th annual Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin on Sunday, April 3. The Rev. Mandato is a Franciscan priest and missionary in the Dicese of Scranton who has dedicated his priesthood to giving retreats and offering occasional healing Masses. He was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, and received his First Holy Communion from St. Padre Pio. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Related Video

Members of the Knights of Columbus lead the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass procession into St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_1.jpgMembers of the Knights of Columbus lead the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass procession into St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Coordinator Cathy Mack offers welcoming remarks at the 10th annual Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_2.jpgCoordinator Cathy Mack offers welcoming remarks at the 10th annual Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

A statue of the Blessed Mother stands near the altar of St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin during the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_3.jpgA statue of the Blessed Mother stands near the altar of St. Maria Goretti Church in Laflin during the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Principal celebrant and homilist the Rev. Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., incenses the Diving Mercy Image of Jesus.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_4.jpgPrincipal celebrant and homilist the Rev. Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., incenses the Diving Mercy Image of Jesus. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Organist David Tighe plays a hymn in the packed St. Maria Goretti Church for the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_5.jpgOrganist David Tighe plays a hymn in the packed St. Maria Goretti Church for the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

The Rev. Richard Cerba, right, Rev. Pio Mandato, and Deacon Dr. Michael Imbrogno stand at the altar during the Diving Mercy Sunday Mass.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD041016DivineMercy_6.jpgThe Rev. Richard Cerba, right, Rev. Pio Mandato, and Deacon Dr. Michael Imbrogno stand at the altar during the Diving Mercy Sunday Mass. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch