A Memorial Day tradition resumed this year at Catholic cemeteries across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland. After being canceled in 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Cemeteries Association hosted outdoor Masses on May 31 at most of its 19 cemeteries.
At Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Father Christopher Cox, parochial vicar at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in nearby Parma, was the celebrant. Mercedarian friar Father Daniel Bowen concelebrated. The Knights of Columbus assisted at several of the Masses, including at Holy Cross.
Skies were overcast as the 10 a.m. liturgy began, but soon the sun began to shine on the crowd that assembled along one of the cemetery roadways near the mausoleum. Countless small American flags had been placed on the graves of veterans buried in the cemetery.
The altar was positioned under a tent, but Father Cox walked out onto the grass to deliver his homily.
He told those gathered that Memorial Day evokes stories and memories. He recalled that 40 years ago, Pope St. John Paul II was shot and nearly killed in Rome. “People wanted to be near him and in a second, the beloved pope was shot,” Father Cox said. But the pope survived, crediting his deep love and devotion to the Blessed Mother and her protection.
“God had more plans for him,” Father Cox added.
He said St. John Paul II could have harbored animosity towards the shooter, but he did not. “HE went to the prison and forgave the shooter.”
Father Cox also touched on the topic of war, noting, “They say there’s no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. Soldiers have lots of time to think and talk about things, including their beliefs and religion.” He said many soldiers carry a rosary, prayer book or other devotionals with them. “They often pray for those left behind,” he said, adding that sometimes, soldiers don’t return home.
One of his favorite Gospel passages is from Matthew: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest,” Father Cox said, noting it is something that applies to most of us, including those in the military. Most of those who serve in the military are younger.
“What is it that makes them decide to do something like that?” he asked, referring to leaving home and entering military service.
He said they think about those they love and want to protect. “Today, we don’t forget. We don’t forget those who paid with their lives so we can do what we’re doing right now. We pray for them and for those who are serving now,” he added.
“As you see and hear their stories today, say a prayer for each of them and know that our God, who hears those stories, never forgets his children,” Father Cox said.