Cardinal Sean O’Malley holds special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for Newton slaying victims

ROME, Italy — Archdiocese of Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley is offering a special Mass in Rome for the Newton slaying victims, with the religious leader calling the killings of a Catholic couple and their mother inside their home “brutal and senseless murders.”

O’Malley, who is in Rome, said Tuesday that prayers will be made during the special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for Gilda D’Amore, 73, her husband, Bruno D’Amore, 74, and Gilda’s mother, Lucia Arpino, 97. All three were found stabbed to death in their Broadway Street home in the Nonantum neighborhood of Newton on Sunday, authorities said.

Christopher Ferguson, 41, of Newton, was arraigned via Zoom in Newton District Court on charges of murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and burglary in the deaths Gilda D’Amore, 73, Bruno D’Amore, 74, and Lucia Arpino. Ferguson was ordered held without bail.

“As priests, we serve to minister to people in times of great loss and tragedy,” O’Malley said in a statement. “Often words are 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 sustains us, and in this moment of enormous pain, we know that God is with us always.”

The D’Amores and Arpino were devoted parishioners of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton, according to the church and pastor.

In the weeks, months and years ahead, O’Malley said their slaying of the Newton family “will stay with us as we come to terms with this unimaginable loss. They loved Christ and the Church. On the day of their murders, Gilda and Bruno were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at Our Lady Help of Christians. They lived their Catholic faith proudly and in service to the Church.”

“I am currently in Rome and will offer 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 their sister parish Sacred Heart, their pastor Father Dan Riley, the parish staff and the entire community of Newton. We give thanks for the parish community of Our Lady Help of Christians and the surrounding Catholic communities coming together to support and care for each other. With God’s help, we will remember the gift of the lives of Gilda, Bruno and Lucia.”

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them,” O’Malley said of the victims. “May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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