Despite the cool, misty and overcast weather, a large crowd gathered on Memorial Day morning, May 25, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park. Some huddled under umbrellas as members of the Knights of Columbus and Father David Stavarz, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Parma, processed to the altar.
Large, green tents provided by the Catholic Cemeteries Association protected the altar throughout the Mass. The faithful gathered on the grass and along the road for the liturgy.
“Today is about remembrance,” Father Stavarz said in his homily. “It’s not if, but how we remember.”
(See photo gallery above.)
Although Masses at some of the Catholic cemeteries in the diocese are a longstanding Memorial Day tradition, Father Stavarz said this was his first time celebrating one of the liturgies. However, he said Masses at cemeteries are not unheard of. He noted that there is a long tradition of celebrating the liturgy at the graves of martyrs, including in the catacombs.
“God wants to give us life,” he said. “But we can forget that as we go through trials in our lives, like the death of those we love … Sometimes, we try to do it alone, without Jesus.
Father Stavarz reminded those gathered that the Mass focuses on remembrance, explaining that we remember Jesus and what he did through the liturgy of the Word and in the liturgy of the Eucharist.
“Jesus tells us, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ What is ‘this’?” he asked. “It’s Jesus’ sacrifice, Jesus being raised on the cross … We offer our lives up, also. Our daily commitment to living with faith, hope and love every day … We remember not just the past, but our willingness to enter into sacrifice and service.”
Father Stavarz said we remember Jesus’ sacrifice at every Mass. And, “On Memorial Day, we also remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our country as we strive to live holy lives.”
He said there is a reward for those who live holy lives: eternal life in heaven.
“Let us hope and pray that we have the profound courage to give our lives in service for those who did that before us,” Father Stavarz added.
Masses were celebrated at eight cemeteries on Memorial Day: All Saints, Northfield; All Souls, Chardon; Calvary, Cleveland; Calvary, Lorain; Holy Cross, Akron; Holy Cross, Brook Park; Resurrection, Valley City; and St. Joseph, Avon.
Click here for more information on the Catholic Cemeteries Association, including the 20 cemeteries in the diocese and services available.