Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated a Mass in Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed at Fairfax Memorial Park in Fairfax Nov. 2.
A large crowd gathered to pray for the repose of their loved ones at the liturgy. The Mass included the traditional blessing of the gravesites of deceased priests.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reflected on the natural sadness felt in the hearts of mourners but also reminded them as Christians to live in the promise of joyful hope.
“I always experience on a day like today a sense of mourning, of loss. It’s a human emotion and certainly understandable. Even Jesus mourned at the death of his friend Lazarus. We mourn the physical presence of those we love because we love them and we miss them,” Bishop Burbidge said.
Thanking those gathered for being a “dear inspiration” for the witness of their faith by their presence at the Mass, he added, “While there is sadness in our hearts, and because we are a people of faith, we’re also filled with joy. … As Our Lord and Savior told us in the Gospel, that for all of us who believe in him, we will be raised to eternal life on the last day. And dear friends, these are the truths that we celebrate at this Mass and every Mass.”
