Rain or Shine – Outdoor Tents at all Locations
BRIDGEPORT—All Souls Day Mass will be celebrated in six cemeteries throughout the diocese on Friday, November 2, 11 am, rain or shine. The Masses, which will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, are open to the public.
“These Masses are a beautiful way for people to remember their loved ones this time of year,” said Msgr. Thomas Powers, vicar general of the diocese. “We encourage Catholics throughout the diocese to pray that all those who have died may rest in the peace of Christ.”
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano announced the first outdoor All Souls Mass two years ago in the hope that it would become an annual tradition across the diocese. More than 150 people attended the first inaugural Mass, a number which only grew the following year.
Traditionally, Catholics visit cemeteries on All Souls Day to remember the dead and pray for their souls. During the Masses, the celebrants will remember in a special way all deceased bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women and lay faithful.
Last year, two Masses for All Souls Day were held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull and St. John/St. Mary Cemetery in Norwalk. The diocese expanded the number of locations based on the enthusiastic responses to last year’s Masses.
Below is a list of locations and celebrants:
St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano
St. Mary Cemetery, Greenwich: Msgr. Thomas W. Powers
St. John Cemetery, Norwalk: Msgr. Walter C. Orlowski
Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull: Father Joseph A. Marcello
St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford: Father Arthur Mollenhauer
St. John Cemetery, Darien: Father John P. Connaughton
The All Souls Day Mass held in Danbury will be streamed live on the diocesan Facebook page: Facebook.com/bridgeportdiocese.
Arrangements for the outdoor Masses are supported by Catholic Cemeteries and the Diocesan Real Estate Office.
The diocese sponsors nine cemeteries around Fairfield County. For information on Catholic Cemeteries, call 203.416.1494.
