ROME, Italy – Boston Archdiocese Cardinal Sean O’Malley offers a special Mass in Rome for the victims of the Newton murder, with the religious leader calling the murders of a Catholic couple and their mother a his house “brutal and senseless murders”.
O’Malley, who is in Rome, said Tuesday that prayers will be said during the special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for Gilda D’Amore, 73, her husband, Bruno D’Amore, 74, and the Gilda’s mother, Lucia Arpino. 97. All three were found stabbed to death Sunday in their home on Broadway Street in Newton’s Nonantum neighborhood, authorities said.
Christopher Ferguson, 41, of Newton, is expected to be arraigned Tuesday in Newton District Court on charges of murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and aggravated robbery in relation to deaths.
“As priests, we serve to minister to people in times of great loss and tragedy,” O’Malley said in a statement. “Words are often not enough to help families and friends come to terms with the loss of a loved one. We look to God for answers. We seek to understand. Often, we simply cannot make sense of what has happened. But our faith it sustains us, and in this moment of enormous pain, we know that God is always with us”.
According to the church and the pastor, the D’Amores and Arpinos were devoted parishioners of Our Lady of Help Church in Newton.
In the coming weeks, months and years, O’Malley said his murder of the Newton family “will stay with us as we deal with this unimaginable loss. They loved Christ and the Church. On the day of their murders, Gilda and Bruno had to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Help. They lived their Catholic faith with pride and at the service of the Church.”
Christopher Ferguson, 41, of Newton, is scheduled to be arraigned in Newton District Court Tuesday afternoon on charges of murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and robbery in relation to the horrific incident on Sunday. Additional charges are expected, prosecutors said.
“I am currently in Rome and will be offering Mass for Gilda, Bruno and Lucia at St. Peter’s Basilica,” O’Malley said. “In our prayers, we will also remember the parishioners of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish and its sister parish Sacred Heart, their pastor, Father Dan Riley, the parish staff and the entire Newton community. We give thanks that the parish community of Our Lady of Help and the surrounding Catholic communities come together to support and care for each other. With God’s help, we will remember the gift of life of Gilda, Bruno and Lucia.”
“Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let eternal light shine upon them,” O’Malley said of the victims. “May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News at Facebook i Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2023 Cox Media Group
