GREENWICH– On All Souls Day when we venerate all those lost to death, we are also reminded that “our own pilgrimage is not yet over,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said to the nearly 200 who gathered at St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery for the Mass of Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
All Souls Day Masses were celebrated in Catholic cemeteries throughout the Diocese as hundreds turned out on a clear, brisk morning for this annual outdoor observance. The Masses were offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, and Holy Water from Lourdes was distributed after Mass at each location.
Noting that many of those in attendance also come to the cemetery to visit the graves of neighbors, friends and family including spouses and children and grandchildren who have passed away, the Bishop urged them to think of All Souls as a day to celebrate the goodness of life on earth and the promise of eternal life.
Also see: All Souls Day @ St. Mary-Putnam (Greenwich w/ Bishop Caggiano), Gate of Heaven (Trumbull), St. Michael (Stratford), St. John (Norwalk) and St. Peter (Danbury)
“Death is not the end. We don’t come here in sorrow despite the pain and loss. We come here with encouragement and hope, the Lord will lead us to the life He has promised if we choose to believe.”
The Bishop began his homily by noting this year’s All Souls Day has occasioned a personal sense of reflection for him, because his sister called last weekend to tell him that his 88-year uncle died, the last of 10 uncles who were part of his early life.
He said his uncle’s death brought back joyful memories including trips to Coney Island and Sunday meals with family.
While he acknowledged the suffering and pain, he said it was good to hold on to those moments because the happiness we experience on earth “gives us a glimpse of what lies ahead, what’s in store for us in the life to come.”
The bishop said that this understanding of the All Souls Day commemoration is found in the words of the Consecration at Mass, when the priest says, “Do this in memory of me.” These are words that do not simply look back on Christ’s life, but look ahead to eternal life.
In spite of our earthly loss and suffering, “God will take us into the fullness of life. The very best is yet to come,” he said.
During the Universal Prayer led by Deacon George Kaine, the faithful prayed, “Christ, Redeemer of those who have no hope because they do not know you, enlighten them with the gift of faith in the resurrection, and in the life of the world to come.” The Bishop was also assisted during the Mass by Deacon John DiTaranto, director of deacons in the diocese.
In brief remarks after Mass the bishop thanked all those who braved the morning chill for Mass under a large white tent. He also greeted them outside the tent after the recessional hymn, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Many of those in attendance stopped to visit the graves of their loved ones.
He thanked organist and diocesan music director Dr. Bill Atwood for leading the music, and he praised Cantor Marjorie Donalds, who sang beautifully throughout the Mass, including the Angus Dei and Lux Aeterna Latin chants.
He also recognized the leadership of Dean Gestal, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport, for maintaining cemetery grounds as sacred places of beauty and reflection
He said that “Catholic cemeteries is a ministry that walks with the faithful in their grief by creating a place of nobility and beauty.”
Arrangements and logistics for the day were supported by Catholic Cemeteries. The diocese sponsors and maintains 10 active cemeteries in Fairfield County. The main office is located at 154 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851. For information on Catholic Cemeteries, call 203.742.1450 or contact info@ctcemeteries.org.)
