Mass on the Mountain brings parishioners closer to God
Just as Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all climbed mountains to meet God, the parishioners of St. Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park did the same on a sweltering July morning.
The parishioners met at the bottom of High Mountain Reserve Park in Wayne at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, to climb to the top, where Father Danny Pabon, St. Leo’s pastor, celebrated Mass.
“Mass on the Mountain” was a beautiful and uplifting experience, Father Pabon and parishioners said.
“It was hard work, but it was worth it,” parishioner Daisy Nova said.
Father Pabon told the hikers, “While you are on the trail, you might have something or someone in your heart that comes to mind. Bring those intentions to the top of the mountain to pray for them and let all your intentions go because God will provide.”
The hike took about an hour and was attended by approximately 65 people aged 12 to 75, according to Elizabeth Portillo, St. Leo’s director of faith formation and youth ministry. The essentials for Mass were packed up and carried by Father Pabon and Leo Casamayor, a seminarian who was assigned to St. Leo’s for his summer apostolate. At the top, Father Pabon set up the altar on a huge rock.
“Just as Jesus would climb a mountain to pray, we are doing the same to keep following His journey,” Father Pabon said in his homily.
Parishioner Leilani Dela Rosa described the hike and Mass as “one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.” Horlando Cintron said he is feeling “more blessed than ever” after the hike and Mass.
After Mass, the hikers shared fellowship on the mountain thanks to the Knights of Columbus (St. Ann’s Council #2853), who provided a free luncheon.
Those in attendance said they enjoyed being closer to God during the gathering and will be ready to climb another mountain if a second Mass on the Mountain is held.
This year, St Leo’s Pastoral Council and Father Pabon planned several activities to engage their growing young adult congregation. Along with Mass on the Mountain, the parish held Theology on Tap — an open topic night at a bar attended by 67 Catholics — and a dancing-bingo event that drew 225 participants.
Photos by Marianela Guerrero
