Catholic churchgoers flocked to St. Catherine's Church on Second Ave. in Pelham and Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Fowler Ave. in Pelham Manor this morning to begin the holy season of Lent, the 40 days that precede Easter.
Rev. Peter Bannon, pastor of St. Catherine's Church, told churchgoers, "I hope these 40 days for you will be filled with prayers, Mass and Communion."
Bannon said that he was "startled" to hear news of Pope Benedict's resignation Monday morning but implored the congregation to look ahead.
"Let all of us let God's light shine forth," said Bannon in a homily that referenced many of the book titles written by Pope Benedict.
