EAST HANOVER, NJ — Bishop Manuel A. Cruz celebrated a Memorial Day Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover on Monday, honoring fallen servicemembers and marking America's 250th anniversary as part of a series of six liturgies held across the Archdiocese of Newark.
The Mass was one of several celebrated simultaneously at cemeteries throughout the archdiocese. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, where he reflected on the courage of those who gave their lives defending the nation's freedoms and drew a parallel between their sacrifice and Christ's death on the Cross.
"This is our calling today: to stand together, to support the families of our fallen and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten by a self-occupied world," Cardinal Tobin told a congregation that included military veterans, active-duty service members and other worshippers.
Veterans were invited to stand and be recognized with applause at each location. The Masses concluded with congregants singing "God Bless America," many waving miniature American flags, before celebrants greeted departing guests.
Additional archdiocesan Masses were held at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City and Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.
For more information on Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, visit rcancem.org.
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