The Bishop of the Youngstown Diocese will celebrate mass on Sunday in East Palestine as that community continues its recovery from a train derailment, fire, and chemical spill.

The Diocese announced on Thursday that Bishop David J. Bonnar will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 210 E Main Street on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 8:30am.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church was in the original evacuation zone after the February 3 train derailment and has served as a location for the distribution of water and other needed products, as well as the host of a February 18 community meal.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown has provided support to the parish in its efforts during the disaster.

Bishop Bonnar issued a statement lauding Catholic Charity’s role in helping the village.

“During the past month, my daily prayers have included petitions for East Palestine, written by parishioners throughout the diocese who included the prayers in their mailed contributions for our Annual Appeal,” said the Bishop. “This has been a reminder to me of the power of community and prayer, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Mass with the community this weekend.”