Lackawanna, N.Y. (WBEN) - "To see the church filled for Holy Thursday was a great sign."
Fr. David LiPuma, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna was discussing Holy Week in the Catholic Church on WBEN.
"There's no mass today," said LiPuma. "Good Friday is a very solemn service, done in silence."
Stations of the Cross will be held at noon and again at 7 p.m. ET. A passion service will be held at 3 p.m. ET.
"Today is a day for everybody to pause, and to realize that God loves each and every one of us," he added.
Easter and Passover, which will be observed April 22, are coming during a tumultuous time around the world, including in the middle east.
With that in mind, Pastor LiPuma's Easter message is a simple one.
"Never give up hope. In the midst of everything going on in the church and the world, cling to that hope because we have a God who never leaves our side," he said. "It's in those dark times, most of all, when we come to realize that we can't do it on our own. And when we give up hope, we give up everything. We can never give up our hope in God's promise to always be with us until he calls us home."
"We pray for the people in the Middle East, the people of Ukraine, the people of Baltimore and Moscow. There's such a tremendous loss of life. That's when we turn to God and realize that's what Easter is all about. Through the passion, cross and resurrection, there's always new life and new hope."
LiPuma said the Shrine and Basilica serve as a beacon of hope in Western New York. While other churches are seeing decline in regular attendance, Father Nelson Baker's city of charity and the Shrine & Basilica that he built,
speaks volumes to people.
"We're finding that more and more people are coming back here. We're seeing more young people and that's really a sign of hope. I know the trend is on the decline in other places, but you have to extend a welcome. No matter how long you've been away. No matter how disenfranchised you might be, there are always open arms at the church wanting to welcome you. All are welcome," he said.