Catholics gathered among colorful trees and weathered headstones for Mass on All Souls’ Day at Fairfax Memorial Park Nov. 2. Some came to visit the graves of loved ones or diocesan priests buried there. Clergy from nearby parishes joined Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for the observance. Students from St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly sang hymns such as “For All the Saints” and “Carry Me Home.”
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reminded the attendees of their sacred duty to pray for the dead. “It is an act of faith, an act of hope, an act of love that you remember and pray for family members and loved ones who have died,” he said.
The readings spoke about the promise of heaven, a place where there will be peace, rest and eternal life. “On the day that the Lord calls us home to himself, we will be greeted by the loving embrace of God, his angels and saints, our beloved parents, spouses, children, family members and friends who have died,” said Bishop Burbidge. “No wonder in a spiritual sense we long to return home.”
At Mass, Catholics are united with those who have left this life, he said. “We are united with them today in the most profound way possible as we gather around this altar to celebrate the heavenly banquet and to celebrate the truth that by his cross and resurrection Jesus has transformed darkness into light, suffering into glory, and even death to life.”
At the end of Mass, Bishop Burbidge sprinkled holy water on the nearby graves.
