A bilingual Ballpark Mass will take place on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Canal Park Stadium, located at 300 South Main Street in downtown Akron. Canal Park is home of the Akron Rubber Ducks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.
The Mass, held on the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, will be celebrated by Bishop Edward C. Malesic, with National Eucharistic Preacher, Father Rafael Capó, from the Archdiocese of Miami, giving the homily.
Fr. Rafael Capó is Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Dean of Theology at St. Thomas University in Miami Florida. He is very active on social media and in ministry to young people, calling for fitness of body, mind, and spirit.
The event is part of the diocesan celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival and the fifth Ballpark Mass celebrated throughout Northeast Ohio over the last year.
Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar for Evangelization and his team are excited to “take the field” once again. “These ballpark Masses are a great way to bring people together to celebrate our Catholic faith publicly, glorifying the Lord by our lives.”
After the Mass at 7 p.m., a Eucharistic procession will take place from the ballpark to St. Bernard’s Church for an XLT adoration prayer service with praise & worship music. The church is a short walk from Canal Park.
Gates and concession stands will open at 5:30 p.m. so all can enjoy their favorite ballpark foods. Surface parking near the stadium will be available. The event should conclude by approximately 9:30 p.m.
For details, visit the diocese’s events webpage.