SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The focus shifted to kids Saturday at an annual local pilgrimage of faith.
The novena to St. Ann featured a children's mass Saturday morning on the grounds of the basilica in Scranton.
Children and their families gathered to pray in a kid-friendly environment.
The outdoor altar was decorated with balloons of several superheroes and kid-themed characters.
Church leaders believe it is important to do something like this to encourage young people to lead a faith-based life.
Taking a historical trip back to WWII in one local borough
"Many of the parents and grandparents have been coming here for many years and to get their children involved, we have this special mass for them and try and devote a homily towards them," said Deacon Peter Lemoncelli, St. Ann's Basilica.
"Well, I'm a retired teacher so I really love children and it was wonderful seeing what they did here today. Beautiful, beautiful," added Charlene Berti, Novena attendee, West Pittston.
The Novena to Saint Ann continues daily through next Saturday on Scranton's west side.
