Each year the Archdiocese of Boston welcomes to Church runners from around the world who are taking part in the Boston Marathon. On the Sunday prior to the race, Mass and a blessing is offered to the runners and all who are participating in the event.
According to a press release, this year’s will take place Sunday, April 15, 2018 with the first Mass and blessing at 11:30 a.m. and the second Mass and blessing at 7 p.m.
It will take place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage at the Boston Seaport, 51 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA. Due to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross renovations, this Mass and blessing will take place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage.
Very Rev. James A. Flavin, Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region, Archdiocese of Boston said, “For many years we have welcomed Boston Marathon runners, volunteers and staff from around the world to this annual Mass and to receive a blessing prior to the race. It is good people turn to their faith for inspiration as they prepare to take on the challenging 26 mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.
This is one of the worlds great sporting events celebrated in the world class City of Boston and we are pleased to be a source of comfort and strength as race day approaches.”
Fr. Flavin added, “As we approach the 5th anniversary of the 2013 bombing, we will also remember Martin Richard, Krystle Marie Campbell, Lingzi Lu and Sean A. Collier who perished during those tragic hours. We will pray for continued healing of the hundreds injured, first responders and all impacted by these events. We will never forget you and will always be with you in prayerful support.”
Isaiah 40:31
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,
they will soar on eagles’ wings;
They will run and not grow weary
The Diocese of Boston was founded on April 8, 1808 and was elevated to Archdiocese in 1875. Currently serving the needs of 1.8 million Catholics, the Archdiocese of Boston is an ethnically diverse and spiritually enriching faith community consisting of 286 parishes, across 144 communities, educating approximately 36,000 students in its Catholic schools and 156,000 in religious education classes each year, ministering to the needs of 200,000 individuals through its pastoral and social service outreach. Mass is celebrated in nearly twenty different languages each week. For more information, please visit www.BostonCatholic.org.
