The Buffalo Mass Mob is heading to Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. (OLPH) church in Buffalo’s First Ward on Sunday, December 12 for 10:30 A.M. mass. This will be the thirty-ninth Mass Mob the group has staged since it was founded in 2013. The concept is simple. Buffalo Mass Mob picks a church and asks the public to come en masse to worship on a selected Sunday. It’s a take on flash mobs.

Buffalo Mass Mob’s goal is to bring attention to Buffalo’s historic churches that need a boost and remind people how valuable they are to the urban fabric of the city. The Mass Mob gives the public an easy way to come and support a church by simply showing up for Mass. The effort has been featured in local, national and international media. Originating in Buffalo, other cities around the country have started their own Mass Mobs.

The events are almost entirely organized through social media. The previous thirty-eight Mass Mobs have brought thousands of people to churches around Buffalo. Christopher Byrd, one of the co-founders of Buffalo Mass Mob, said, “These houses of worship helped shape and define the city as we know it. It’s Buffalo Mass Mob’s hope to help create more awareness and appreciation for sacred sites around Buffalo and Western New York. We invite the public to come and experience them.”

OLPH was founded in 1897 as the population of Buffalo’s First Ward started to grow. The church is affectionately called “PETS” by its parishioners. The current Pastor of the parish community is Father Paul Seil who was appointed in June of 2021.

Father Seil on Buffalo Mass Mob coming to his church, “We would like folks to know that “PETS” is not only a religious institution but has played an important role in the history of the City of Buffalo particularly with regard to Irish Immigrants, waterfront workers (Longshoreman, grain workers) and the Labor Movement in the US.”

“Founded by Bishop James Quigley (who went on to be the Archbishop of Chicago), there are strong ties to the “Old Neighborhood” while redevelopment in the area has brought an influx of new people and new perspectives. The stained glass windows, original to the 1903 structure, are under repair. They were created by Tyrolean Glass Works in Bavaria and are considered some of the finest windows in the Northeast,” he said. “In addition to the one-day influx of people, we hope to shed light on the fact that OLPH is open and would like to renew our commitment and ministry in the Old First Ward. We are rebuilding and want to make a place for everyone who is seeking service, fulfillment and faith.”

OLPH is located at 115 O’Connell Ave in Buffalo. There will be light refreshments served after mass.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/315264620075597

You can find out more about the church by visiting their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/.

To find out more about Buffalo Mass Mob, visit https://buffalomassmob.org.