Catholic Church Brings Mass To Travelers At MIA

MIAMI (CBS4) - How about a little worship on a layover at the airport? Well, it's now possible every Saturday night at 7:00 at Miami International Airport.

The Archdiocese of Miami held its first mass Saturday night. Archbishop Thomas Wenski hopeD to reach those passing through or working at the airport.

The services are shorter than a typical mass. The first mass at MIA only lasted 30 minutes, but was complete with hymns, communion and prayer. The only thing that was different "it's just the location," said Catholic Priest Roberto Cid.

But for Father Cid the small chapel is not about the space. He says it's about what fills it. "Christ is present no matter what. It's more about the presence of Christ than anything else."

The mass took place at a chapel inside Miami International Airport that is tucked away on the 4th floor in Terminal D, right across from the lost and found department.

Shortly after an announcement about the new mass was made over the airport's intercom system, Barrington Blake from Brooklyn, New York decided to stop in. "It was great I love it," said Blake. "I go to a non-denominational church in Brooklyn, but we worship the same God."

"Many of the people are just in transit, they are rushing to catch a plane, but the idea is to bring the service to them while they are traveling so they can fufill their weekly obligation to go to mass and also have an encounter with the risen Lord," said Father Cid.

Although not everyone felt mass at MIA was appropriate, everybody seemingly agreed on one thing. It's unique.

"It's a little unusual to have a mass at an airport, I don't think it's a good idea," said traveler Tom Reidarson. "It's really not a congregational place, but interesting!"

All travelers, airport employees and visitors are welcome at the airport's new weekly Saturday mass.