Our Friars have been faithfully serving the community for over fifty years at the Chapel of Our Savior in Brockton, Massachusetts. People of all ages come to receive the sacraments, attend daily Mass, and to visit the Chapel’s gift center at this unique location on the Westgate Mall. Though a chapel located at a Mall may not be traditional, over the years the Friars have found that this ministry attracts people from all walks of life who are seeking spiritual nourishment and reconciliation.
The four Friars currently serving there, Fr. Jerry DiGiralamo, SA, Fr. John Keane, SA, Br. Thomas Banacki, SA, and Br. Louis Marek, SA, are able to provide guidance for many of these seekers and lead them to a closer walk with the Lord. “The Chapel of Our Savior provides a respite from the busy world of commerce. We are open all day, we know most of the people by name, and we extend a warm welcome to all those who come to us,” Brother Thomas Banacki, SA, shared. Indeed, this is how the Friars live out the Chapel’s motto “Bringing Christ to the Marketplace”.
With the Advent and Christmas seasons approaching, the Friars expect that many more people will take a break from the hustle and bustle to walk through the chapel doors on a search for purpose and meaning in life. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, December 2nd, the Friars will host a mid-afternoon retreat for women. On December 16th, all are invited to attend an evening of Lessons and Carols. In addition, regularly scheduled events, such as Anointing of the Sick on the first Friday of the month, the traditional Latin Mass on the second Friday of the month, and the Secular Franciscan meeting will all continue on schedule throughout the holiday season.
The Chapel of Our Savior truly is one of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement’s treasures.