Those whose lives are touched by cancer will hear a message of peace and be reassured of the love of Jesus at the Spirit of Hope Mass for Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. It will be celebrated by Bishop Louis Tylka at 4 p.m.

John McDermott

Returning to offer a prelude of hymns at 3:30 p.m. will be renowned tenor and recording artist John McDermott, who will also provide music during the liturgy.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of their faith background.

The Mass “for the relief from the burden of cancer” is cosponsored by the Diocese of Peoria and OSF HealthCare. Held for the first time last October, it grew out of a conversation between Bishop Tylka and Dr. James McGee, medical director of radiation oncology for OSF HealthCare.

At last year’s liturgy, Bishop Tylka spoke of the deaths of his mother and sister, both from pancreatic cancer, and what he learned about faith and hope.

“Through the gift of faith that my parents first instilled in me and that my sisters and the church have nourished, I’ve learned to hope that I can put my life, as they have, into Jesus’ hands,” he said in his homily. “When we hope in the Lord, hope is not disappointed.”