Catholics of western Massachusetts are coming together in his honor. The prayer service at Saint Michael’s was held by the Diocese of Springfield

A Mass of Healing for the Holy Father is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3938 Poplar Level Road.

The Rev. Michael Duffy, the rector at St. Agnes, the seat of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, addressed the pope’s condition during the 9:30 a.m. Mass. He began his sermon by asking the attendees to pray for the pontiff.