By Rose O’Connor, Correspondent

“We gather together to celebrate the memory of those who gave their lives in defense of our country. We pray together the greatest prayer on the face of the earth, the holy sacrifice of the Mass,” Msgr. James H. Dubell said as he welcomed the faithful to the annual Memorial Day Mass celebrated May 26 in St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hamilton.

In his homily, Msgr. Dubell, a retired priest of the Diocese and former diocesan director of cemeteries, recalled his memories of families, friends and parishioners who suffered the devastation and tragedies of war.

“Freedom is something that is purchased and maintained at a great price. We appreciate our freedom all the more when we celebrate days like Memorial Day,” he said. “We are a people of hope, and we believe in the Resurrection; we believe in a life hereafter; we believe that death is not the final answer, [but] rather that Christ rose from the dead and promised Resurrection to all who follow and believe in him.

“So on this Memorial Day as we remember not only our veterans, but all of our beloved deceased, we pray that we ourselves will live by the Ten Commandments, that we will make good choices and follow the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and that we ourselves will be peacemakers in our world.”

Following Mass, Msgr. Dubell placed a wreath at the base of the flagpole as bagpipes were played to honor those whose lives were lost in war.

“This Mass is always special to me. This is our Catholic cemetery and an extension of our sanctuary.  It’s very special to offer the Mass in the spirit of hope for all of those who grieve for their beloved deceased,” Msgr. Dubell shared at the conclusion of Mass.

Mark Wilson, current director of the diocesan Office of Cemeteries, commented on the blessing it was to have Msgr. Dubell celebrate the Memorial Day Mass once again in the diocesan cemetery and mausoleum.

“We ask him every year to celebrate with us, and every year his only answer is, ‘Yes.’ We love having him here to celebrate Mass with us,” Wilson said.

Faithful in attendance appreciated the opportunity to spend part of the national holiday in a prayerful setting.

 Jennifer Sowa of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, who attended the Mass with her parents and husband, Chris, said the Memorial Day Mass provided her with an opportunity to reflect on the 20 years her father served in the Navy, and tours during World War II and the Korean War.  

Robert and Janet Perilli of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, wanted to pay their respects to their parents, who are buried in St. Mary Cemetery.

Noting that their respective fathers had served in the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, Janet Perilli said, “We try to come every year to this Memorial Day Mass. It’s just very nice.”