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Bishop conducts Mass in EP with a message of faith, hope, love

Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown celebrates Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in East Palestine, bringing a message of faith, hope and love. (Photo by Amanda C. Davis)

EAST PALESTINE — In 1972, the number 13 song on the Billboard pop singles chart contained a message that Youngstown Bishop David J. Bonnar believes can offer hope to residents in the aftermath of the Feb. 3 train derailment.

The song, “Day by Day,” from the musical “Godspell,” was written by Stephen Schwartz and talks of his desire to be closer to God.

Bonnar welcomed more than 120 parishioners Sunday morning for Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 210 E. Main St., bringing a message of faith, hope and love.

“The lyrics of the song include a three-fold petition,” Bonnar said. “Day by day, dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.”

Bonnar told the crowd he believes Jesus sees the suffering of the community.

“He knows the disruption, inconvenience, loss that has rippled through this small community,” he said. “But remember, when Jesus sees suffering in the Gospel, he also sees an opportunity for compassion and mercy.”

He cautioned the audience to “see as Jesus,” but without anger or judgment, even in uncertain times. “This is your moment to demonstrate who you are and whose you are,” he said.

He believes Jesus knows the fear and anguish the derailment has caused, but said, “where Jesus sees fear, he also sees an opportunity for faith.”

He said Catholic Charities will continue to be present in the community to help during “this challenging and uncertain time.”

The church was in the original evacuation zone after the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train Feb. 3 that left the city and surrounding communities upended. The derailment of the train, carrying hazardous chemicals, has dominated local and national headlines for the past six weeks.

Bonnar told the crowd it’s “miraculous that there was no loss of human life or any injuries” that day.

The church, supported by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, has served as a distribution center for water and other needed items, and hosted a community meal Feb. 18.

Nancy Voitus, Catholic Charities executive director, said there’s been an outpouring of donations for the community. She said long-term needs include bottled water, furnace filters and cleaning supplies.

“Everybody wants to try and do something,” she said. “People are reaching out and they want to help.”

Jeremy Vranesevich moved to East Palestine from Conway, Pa., four years ago and worked 16 years as a machinist for Norfolk Southern. He said he got an email Feb. 11 from Alan Shaw, president and CEO at Norfolk Southern, apologizing for the situation.

A few days later, he said Shaw called him and wanted to meet. Shaw appointed Vranesevich as a community liaison, a full-time position that coordinates communication between residents and the company.

When asked after the service if he believes the company is sincere in its promise to make things right, Vranesevich said, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. Everyone wants to get back to normal and we want to make things better than they were on Feb. 2.”

Patty Zocolo, a parish coordinator, said communities near and far have gone out of their way to meet the needs of East Palestine residents. “We have been blessed with so many gifts,” she added.

Bonnar, originally from Pittsburgh, said East Palestine residents were warm and welcoming to him and said coming here reminded him of how he feels when he drives out of the Fort Pitt tunnels back home.

“It’s like the whole city is embracing you,” he said. “I felt that way here today.”

He was installed in January 2021 as the sixth bishop for the Diocese, which spans six counties. He ended his sermon my imploring the crowd to keep the faith and to see “as Jesus sees,” with compassion and hope.

He also said that many people throughout the diocese and beyond are concerned about and praying for the community. “Please know that you are not alone,” he said.

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