Faithful return to in-person Memorial Day Masses at Catholic cemeteries

As the sun gleamed through hundreds of American flags, casting the colors of red, white, and blue onto the graves of veterans on Memorial Day, the wives, mothers, and loved ones of those laid to rest arrived simultaneously at seven Catholic cemeteries across the Archdiocese of Newark.

They joined thousands of Catholic cemeteries nationwide in the annual Memorial Day Program, “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes,” to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The same Jesus that suffered and rose walks with us, and He does not abandon us,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, as he comforted attendees during his homily at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

“Even when we question, even when we’re scattered, even when we encase ourselves in selfishness or despair,” Cardinal Tobin added. “And true peace does not spring from not having difficulties but from being united with the Lord.”

Memorial Day Masses were also celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, D.D. at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, the Very Reverend John J. Chadwick, S.T.D. at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes, and Rev. Philip J. Waters, O.S.B. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Orange.

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While most Memorial Day Masses were celebrated outdoors under large canopy tents, the Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover was observed inside the mausoleum’s Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary by the Most Reverend Manuel A. Cruz, D.D.

During his homily, he praised the modern accomplishments of the world but reminded attendees that the two things no human could conquer alone are sin and death.

“The truth is, you and I are sinners,” explained Bishop Cruz, emphasizing the difficulty of embracing the mystery of the afterlife. “And we will always be in need of our Savior.”

After celebrating Mass at Saint Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, the Most Reverend Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., D.D., invited attendees to witness the blessing of the new 9/11 Memorial installed in September before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The uniquely cross-shaped steel beams honor the lives of those lost in the World Trade Center (WTC), the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA., in 2001 and the families affected afterward.

While the Memorial Day Masses were live-streamed in 2020 and 2021 with limited participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s encouraging turnout represented a willingness and “spiritual hunger” of local Catholics to honor their veterans, loved ones, and their faith at a level not seen since 2019.

But much in the world has changed since then. The Most Reverend Gregory J. Studerus, D.D. at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, spoke of the monotony of overwhelming grief in the United States and worldwide due to ongoing wars and violence, including the war in Ukraine and how many seek distractions. He encouraged attendees not to “look away.”

“It is so important for us to enter into the grief of these occasions, these things that are possible as human beings fight, reject, hate, and bring horrible grief to one another and the families and the associated people,” said Bishop Studerus.

“Today is a day to once again remember the horrors of this world and feel a sense of compassion for those left behind or who have lost family and friends and loved ones,” Bishop Studerus added. “To feel the depth of compassion and suffering once again so that people are not left alone, abandoned, and forgotten.”

For more information on Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, go to www.rcancem.org.

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Featured image: Cardinal Tobin blesses a Catholic following the Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington on May 30, 2022. (Photo by Rick Tracy/Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark)