Church celebrates Columbus Day Mass, peace walk

FALL RIVER, Mass.—The city of Fall River will be carrying on a Columbus Day tradition.

The Diocese’s annual candlelight procession and Mass for peace began back in 1975. The march goes on for about one-half mile, starting on South Main Street.

Folks from Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River all joined in Sunday night, carrying candles and reciting hymns.

The Fall River Diocese invites the public to take part in the annual procession and Mass for peace on Monday.

As in previous years, marchers will meet no later than 5:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral, at the corner of Spring and Second streets in Fall River. Participants will march approximately one-half mile to St. Anne’s Church. The procession will begin at 6 p.m. Marchers will carry candles, recite the rosary and sing Marian hymns in various languages.

At approximately 7 p.m. the Mass for peace will take place at St. Anne’s Church, which faces Kennedy Park at South Main and Middle streets. Rev. Msgr. John A. Perry, Vicar General of the Fall River Diocese, will celebrate the Mass and offer the homily.

The Mass for Peace will last about 90 minutes, with the entire ceremony concluding between 8:30 and 9 p.m.

Those who are disabled or handicapped should proceed directly to St. Anne’s Church, where a special area will be designated for them.