BRIDGEPORT—All Souls Day Mass will be celebrated in six cemeteries throughout the diocese on Saturday, 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.
More than 1,000 people throughout the diocese attended the outdoor All Souls Day Masses held in six cemeteries last year.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the main celebrant at the All Souls Day Mass held at St. Mary Cemetery in Greenwich. It will be streamed live on the diocesan Facebook page.
November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and All Souls Day is a special day in particular during which we pray for those who have died.“When we lose someone, there is a hole we are not totally able to fill. Yet despite the loss, we believe that those who die in Christ are destined for an empty tomb. They will rise from the grave and receive what Christ has promised in His Resurrection,” said Bishop Caggiano at last year’s Mass.
The bishop thanked the pastors and priests who will be celebrating this year’s Mass and encouraged Catholics throughout the diocese to pray that all those who have died may rest in the peace of Christ.
Bishop Caggiano announced the first outdoor All Souls Mass two years ago in the hope that it would become an annual tradition across the diocese. Thousands throughout the diocese have found the Mass a moving and memorable way to pray for the faithful departed.
Traditionally, Catholics visit cemeteries on All Souls Day to remember the dead and pray for their souls. During the Mass, the celebrants will remember in a special way all deceased bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women and lay faithful.
The diocese has announced the following locations and celebrants: St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury: Fr. Peter Towsley; St. Mary Cemetery, Greenwich: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano; St. John-St. Mary Cemetery, Norwalk: Msgr. Walter C. Orlowski; Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull: Fr. Brian Gannon; St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford: Fr. Alexis Moronta; St. John Cemetery, Darien: Fr. Paul Murphy
The Masses will be celebrated rain or shine under large outdoor tents. Arrangements and logistics for the day are supported by Catholic Cemeteries and the Diocesan Real Estate Office.
The diocese sponsors nine cemeteries in Fairfield County. For information on Catholic Cemeteries, call 203.416.1494.
