Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Good Friday is the most solemn day on the Christian calendar. "This day is the pinnacle of our faith." said Monsignor David LiPuma
of Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna.
"Today we celebrate that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died on the cross
to save us all. We hope that people will come to church and take time to pause throughout the day to remember how much God loves each and every one of us," he said.
LiPuma noted that he was overwhelmed at the attendance for Holy Thursday services at OLV. "The Basilica was full. It seats about a thousand people," he added.
This is an especially challenging year for the Buffalo Diocese after dozens of church closings.
"There is a lot of hurt," LiPuma said. "It brings a pain to my heart, especially for longtime parishioners of beautiful churches. It's a time of transition as many try to figure out their next spiritual home. I hope people don't walk away. The truth is that it isn't the building, although it means a lot to everyone. It's the people gathering together to support each other in prayer"
Mary Pruski, of Save Our Buffalo Churches, says there is a different feel this Easter.
"The past two weeks have felt like Manna from Heaven in terms of a reprieve, or a get out of jail free card," she said on WBEN.
She explained that 14 local parishes are celebrating a temporary stay on closing. Some others have closed and Pruski is hoping that members will find their way to other vibrant parishes.
Fourteen other churches are just starting the appeal process at the Dicastery level.
Pruski said it's all about hope. "It's could take a couple of months to a couple of years for a firm decision."
You can find more information about efforts by Save Our Buffalo Churches HERE.