Love cannot exist without suffering, and suffering without love is ‘hell’

Father Ryan Maher, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, celebrated the third annual Mass of Belonging on Sept. 22 in Covington. The event, held on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, brought together the Fire Foundation of Northern Kentucky and supporters of inclusive education for Mass and a social gathering at St. Mary’s Park.

Kendra McGuire, the superintendent of Catholic schools, told those gathered that the Fire Foundation's support helps Catholic schools welcome more families seeking education for children with disabilities. During the liturgy, Father Maher quoted St. Bernard of Clairvaux regarding the feast day and the martyrdom of Mary.

Several priests from the Diocese of Covington concelebrated the Mass, including Father Joseph Gallenstein, Father Eric Andriot, Father Britton Hennessey, Father Mark Keene, Father Michael Grady, and Father Thomas Picchioni.