DANBURY—More than 100 people gathered at St. Peter Cemetery in Danbury to commemorate the faithful departed on All Souls Day.
“It’s an ancient tradition to pray for the souls who have passed from this world to the next,” said Father Gregg Mecca, pastor of St. Peter Church on Main Street, who officiated at the outdoor graveside Mass. “We are here in honor of all the deceased.”
Father Mecca explained that purgatory is not a place but a time. “God in His infinite wisdom always grants us the gift of time,” he said because God desires that all his children know and love him.
“The souls in purgatory need to undergo a period of purification,” he said. “Purgatory is about growing in faith.”
Many who gathered for the outdoor Mass huddled together against the wind finding comfort amongst one another in prayer and in knowing some of their loved ones who have passed were nearby.
“I thought it was lovely and touching for all the souls here,” said Debbie, who traveled to Danbury from Brewster to be at the service in the cemetery where her son is buried. “I’m glad they do this,” she said.
Colorful fall mums dotted the landscape bringing with the bold bright colors of red, yellow and fuchsia—a hopeful energy on an otherwise cold and cloudy day.
“The Church recognizes the need and the duty to pray for our beloved deceased,” said Father Mecca, adding that it is fitting that the day after All Saints Day is All Souls Day.
“The saints in heaven help and support us,” he said, especially in our time of need and the sorrow of missing loved ones. “Wherever there is love there is pain. If we didn’t love them so dearly, we wouldn’t feel the pain.”
A day of prayer for those that have passed from this life was also an opportunity for many to recall and share fond memories of loved ones with each other.
“It’s important for me to be here because I have friends and family buried in this cemetery,” said Adelaide Rezza, who drove from Yonkers, N.Y. to participate in the service. “I thought it was a wonderful way to honor them.”
Red and white carnations were handed out to those in attendance to place on the graves of loved ones.
“We come together for remembrance, healing and blessings,” Father Mecca said.
By Kathy-Ann Gobin
