It was a day of tears for the people of Somerset County. They gathered at the Flight 93 chapel to hear Father Alphonse Masherino say one last mass before his retirement.

He is founder of the Flight 93 chapel and now  is retiring as bishop of the North American Roman Catholic Church.

He grew sick, making it hard for him to speak. He found other ways to spread his message. He wrote sentences on paper and used hand gesture to communicate throughout the mass and interviews.

“ It has been a long 37 year journey starting in 1976 o 2012. The past 11 years are the most exciting because of the chapel. I am grateful to God and all who came to visit,” Father Alphonse Mascherino said.

His nephew acted as his voice, but all word’s were Father Al’s.

“ It was really, really special. He is a great man. I think everybody here can understand what he was trying to do and what he has done,” Father Al’s nephew Matthew Hoppes said.

Family and friends attended the mass and they said he was loved and respected by all.

Even though he is retiring, the church will stand strong, remembering the victims of September 11^th and Father Al’s dedication and love for the chapel and all who attended.

“ It is not an end, merely a transition into another phase of service. Now I can pray.” Father Al said.

The Flight 93 tradition will grow and ownership with be transferred to Archbishop Ramzi Musallam of the Catholic Church of the East.