SCRANTON, Pa. — St. Peter's Cathedral held its annual special abilities Mass for people with disabilities on Sunday, leading up to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Mass aims to highlight that all people, including those with special abilities, can have gifts to contribute to the church and community.
Bishop Joseph Bambera leads the annual service. He recited a quote from Pope Francis that reminded the community of the pinnacle of the Mass.
"And he said we're all just differently abled, you know, underline 'abled,' and that goes right to your observation, you know. Everybody has a gift to share," said Bishop Bambera of Scranton.
Patrick Cannon, an honored guest from Nanticoke, said something you heard echoed within the church: every Mass is special, but this one is special in its own way.
"Because it touches me. Because it helps people like me that have disabilities, and it helps everybody that is disabled, and it just brings everybody closer to one as a family," said Cannon.
Those with disabilities are able to serve as lectors, greeters and gift bearers in the service.
Gerard Wazeter got to serve as a lector during this mass, something that made him feel special each time.
"A couple years ago, I was there. It's my 4th time being here," said Wazeter.
Ada Magni, with Order of Alhambra, an organization in Wilkes-Barre dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, says the service shows the important role people with disabilities can have in the community.
"And they shine through in so many ways that we can only ever imagine. They touch us as much as we try to touch their lives. They impact us in so many ways that are just tiny but profound," said Magni.
Magni says the service touches her heart like no other.
"One person brought up the gifts, and he smiled and he waved to us. Its just such a, only from God that can happen the sunshine of rays like that," added Magni.