Everyone in Connecticut knows Waterbury's two most prominent landmarks: The 240 foot Seth Thomas Company Union Station Clock Tower and the beautiful steel & LED illuminated cross that sits atop Holyland USA. Both offer sweeping views of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, and occasionally, Waterbury opens them up for the public to enjoy.

Get our free mobile app

On Saturday August 14, Holyland USA will host a special afternoon outdoor Mountaintop Mass at 5:45 PM, celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Beatification of Bl. Michael McGivney. The Mountaintop Mass will be led by Rev. James M. Sullivan, Rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

This is a rare opportunity to celebrate Mass outdoors at Holyland. The last outdoor public event that was held there was this past Easter Sunday. Unlike the last Mass, there will be no parking permitted near the top of the hill and Holyland.  Instead, starting at 3 PM on the day of the event, shuttle buses and handicap-accessible vans have been set up to run between the parking lot of the old Sears Auto Center (across the street from McDonald's and TGIFriday's) in the Brass Mill Mall parking lot and the Mountaintop Mass.

There will be 600 seats available for the Mass, but you might want to bring your own lawn chairs or blanket just in case. According to the Program of Events, before the Mass, starting at 3 PM, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and Rosary will be held in the Chapel. After the Mass, there will be Reflections by Clergy and special guests, and a Veneration of Blessed McGivney relics will occur. Food Concessions will be provided after the Mountaintop Mass also.

If you'd like more information about the Mountaintop Mass at Waterbury's Holyland USA, 5:45 PM on Saturday, August 14, 2021, click HERE

The Old Howard Johnson's Building in Waterbury Has Been Demolished

The famous Howard Johnson's orange-colored roof first appeared on Waterbury's South Main Street in 1958. The building lasted 63 years, it was recently torn down, so I stopped by this morning and took a bunch of photos of the site

8 Good Places to Get Fresh Pasta in Connecticut

More From WRKI and WINE