The Holy Family Parish in Seward will host a special mass tonight to not only pay tribute to first responders, but to also remember the 45th anniversary of the 1977 Johnstown Flood.
Tonight’s “Blue Mass” at the church on Bridge Street will also feature a blessing of emergency response vehicles immediately following mass. While traditionally honoring police officers, Father William Lechnar says he also wants to honor other first responders.
This year’s mass will also honor the memory of those who perished in the Johnstown Flood of 1977. On July 19th of that year, a thunderstorm stalled bringing heavy downpours hit the area around Johnstown overnight and nearly a foot of rainfall over a 24 hour period. Six dams in the area over-topped and failed, letting over 120 million gallons of water into the area, resulting in 84 deaths and over $340 million in damage to Johnstown and the surrounding area. That included Seward and other areas of Indiana County.
Fr. Lechnar said he feels honored to hear the stories from some of the people who experienced the flood.
The 2nd annual Blue Mass starts tonight at 7:00 PM.
To hear Todd Marino’s full interview with Fr. Lechnar, click below.
