The next Buffalo Mass Mob will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at historic Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in downtown Buffalo.

Mass Mob XXII will mark the first time the the group will go to a church in downtown Buffalo. It will also mark the first time the the group will attend a Latin Tridentine Mass. This is where a Mass is celebrated in its traditional Latin language form. Saint Anthony’s has held a Latin Mass at the church for over a decade. Danielle Huber, Buffalo Mass Mob organizer, says, “We’re excited to Mass Mob our first downtown church and to see first-hand how they embrace their location.  In addition, it’ll be a unique experience to participate in a Latin mass.” (There will be a special missal at mass to help guide people through Latin.)

Buffalo Mass Mob started in 2013 as way to draw attention to struggling Buffalo inner city churches. A mass mob is similar to a flash mob, but the idea centers around inviting people to come worship at a church organizers select. The mass mobs have brought thousands of people to churches whose attendance has dipped over the years. Originated in the Queen City, the mass mob movement has garnered national and international attention. Buffalo Mass Mob has also inspired people in other cities to organize their own.

St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church was founded in 1891 by Father Antonio Gibelli of the Missionary Fathers of St. Charles Borromeo to provide for the religious well being of the large number of Italians immigrants settling in Buffalo during the 19th century. The parish quickly became the social center the of the city’s 20,000 plus Italian population. Within a year, Gibelli had established the first Italian language school in the United States. The church continues celebrate its Italian heriatge.

Buffalo Mass Mob XXII will begin at 9:00 AM. A coffee hour will be hosted by the parish community immediately following mass. Saint Anthony’s is located directly behind city hall at 160 Court Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. The Mass Mobs are open to all.

For more information on Buffalo Mass Mob, visit www.buffalomassmob.org. For more information on Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, visit http://www.stanthonyofpadua-buffalo.org.